![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon slices for garnish To make my easy shrimp scampi, I start with fresh, large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for quick cooking. I love using linguine or spaghetti for this dish. The pasta holds the sauce well. Butter and olive oil create a rich base for my sauce. Garlic is a must for flavor. I use four cloves, minced finely. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Adjust these to your taste. I always add lemon zest and juice. The acidity brightens the dish. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. For a lovely finish, I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Lemon slices make a great garnish too. They add color and extra flavor. This combination makes the dish pop. You can find the full recipe in the complete Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe section. - Boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. - Cook 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti until it is al dente. - Drain the pasta and save ½ cup of the pasta water. Cooking the pasta this way gives it the right texture. Al dente means it has a slight bite. It also holds the sauce better. - In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. - Once hot, add 1 pound of shrimp in a single layer. - Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. - Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Shrimp cook quickly. Be careful not to overcook them. They should be firm but tender. - Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. - Pour in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. - Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. - If the sauce seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. This sauce is bright and full of flavor. The lemon complements the shrimp well. - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a delicious finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot, with lemon slices for extra zest. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Choosing the right shrimp Select large shrimp. They have a sweet taste and firm texture. Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. You can use frozen shrimp too, just thaw them before cooking. The importance of fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients make your dish shine. Use whole garlic cloves, not pre-minced. Fresh lemon adds brightness. Buy fresh parsley to garnish your dish. Each ingredient adds its own flavor. Prepping ingredients ahead of time Prep your ingredients before cooking. Chop garlic, zest the lemon, and measure spices. This makes cooking quick and fun. You won’t feel rushed when you're ready. Adjusting cooking times for different pasta types Different pasta cooks at different times. Check package instructions for cooking times. Linguine usually takes 9 to 11 minutes. Spaghetti takes about the same time. Start cooking pasta before the shrimp for smooth timing. Recommended side dishes Pair shrimp scampi with a light salad. A simple green salad balances the meal. Garlic bread is also a great side. It helps soak up the delicious sauce. Best wine pairings for shrimp scampi Choose a crisp white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine for a special touch. {{image_2}} You can easily change the pasta type for shrimp scampi. While I love linguine or spaghetti, you can try fettuccine or even penne. Each pasta brings its own texture and flavor. If you want to swap butter for olive oil, go ahead! Olive oil adds a nice touch and keeps it light. It also gives a different flavor that many people enjoy. Adding herbs can boost the dish. Fresh basil or thyme works great. They add a lovely aroma and taste that brightens the meal. You can also mix in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Spinach wilts nicely, while cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. Both add color and nutrients to your dish. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta. Many brands taste just as good as regular pasta. You won’t miss out on flavor! For low-calorie shrimp scampi, use less butter and olive oil. You can also add more veggies to fill you up. This keeps the dish tasty and lighter on calories. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe. To store leftover shrimp scampi, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are sealed tight to keep out air and moisture. Store your shrimp scampi in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, heat it over low. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps ensure the shrimp remain tender and do not overcook. If you want to save shrimp scampi for later, freezing works great. Portion out the scampi into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Shrimp scampi can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. I recommend using large shrimp for scampi. They have a nice size and taste. Fresh shrimp is best if you can find it. Fresh shrimp has a sweet flavor and a firm texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp works well too. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Yes, you can! Shrimp scampi is great on its own. You can serve it over rice or with crusty bread. It also pairs well with steamed veggies. For a lighter meal, toss it on a salad. These options keep the dish fresh and fun. To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them quickly. Shrimp need just 2-3 minutes on high heat. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough. Also, let them rest for a minute before serving. This keeps them tender and juicy. Yes, you can change the sauce! A creamy sauce works well if you want a twist. Try adding cream or cheese for something different. You can also use a white wine sauce for depth. Each option gives a unique flavor that makes the dish exciting. For the complete Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we covered the simple yet delicious shrimp scampi recipe. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. We also explored variations for taste and dietary needs, plus storage info for leftovers. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Try adding your favorite herbs or veggies. Cooking shrimp perfectly can elevate your dish. Enjoy making this classic meal, and share it with family and friends. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table.](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c4b1c6ed-55c7-438f-8d5a-1be9926b19ee-250x250.webp)
Easy Shrimp Scampi
Discover the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty garlic and lemon sauce, all served over your choice of pasta. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that's bursting with flavor. Click through for detailed instructions and tips to impress your family and friends with this tasty seafood delight!