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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti For a great dish, choose large shrimp. They cook fast and taste sweet. Linguine or spaghetti works well with the sauce. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil adds richness. Garlic gives a strong flavor. Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. You can adjust the spice to fit your taste. Remember to add salt and pepper for balance. - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) Lemon zest brightens the dish. Fresh lemon juice gives it a tart taste. Broth adds depth to the sauce. Parsley makes your dish look nice. Lemon wedges are great for extra flavor. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. After a minute, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Once done, set the shrimp aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring this to a simmer. Use a spatula to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture cook for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly reduces. This step builds a bright and zesty flavor. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss it all together. If the mixture appears dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This helps to get the right consistency. Heat everything through. Serve the shrimp scampi on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your meal! To get juicy shrimp, cook them right. Start with hot oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes first. This will flavor the oil. Then, add the shrimp. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you have many shrimp, cook them in batches. Spice can be fun or too much. The recipe calls for red pepper flakes. You can change the amount to your taste. For less heat, use only a pinch. If you love spice, add more. Taste as you cook to find your perfect level. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away! The sauce should be silky and not too thick. After adding the broth, let it simmer. This reduces the sauce and enhances flavors. If your sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer. Toss in the shrimp and pasta once the sauce is perfect. The result will be a balanced dish. {{image_2}} You can boost your dish by adding vegetables. Consider using spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and flavor. Cook them in the skillet before adding shrimp. This way, they soften and soak up the sauce. You can even toss in some peas for a pop of green. Just be sure to adjust cooking time based on the veggies you choose. If shrimp isn’t your favorite, try other proteins. Chicken works well; just cut it into small pieces. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. You can also use scallops or fish like salmon. These options give you tasty alternatives while keeping the dish light. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein you choose. Switching up the sauce can change the whole dish. For a creamy version, add some heavy cream or a splash of white wine. You can also use a basil pesto for a fresh twist. If you want more heat, a spicy marinara could work too. Just remember to balance flavors so one ingredient doesn’t overpower the rest. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi fresh, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again soon! When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet on low heat to warm the dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the shrimp moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. If you want to freeze your scampi, separate the shrimp from the pasta. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat in a skillet as before. The best shrimp for scampi is large shrimp. They hold up well while cooking. Look for shrimp labeled as "16-20 count" for great size and taste. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works too. Always choose shrimp that smell fresh, not fishy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw them before cooking. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp firm and tasty. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta. Use gluten-free linguine or spaghetti. Many brands offer great gluten-free options that taste good. Always check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - A fresh green salad - Rice or quinoa - Roasted potatoes These sides will complement the flavors of the dish and create a balanced meal. You've learned how to make a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can customize your dish with veggies or different sauces. Storing and reheating leftovers was also important. Try this recipe soon. It’s easy, quick, and delicious. Enjoy your cooking and take pride in your meal!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! This easy recipe features succulent shrimp tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can impress your family and friends. Don't miss out on this flavorful dish—click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a delightful meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.

          Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

            Serve: Divide the shrimp scampi among plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for drizzling.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4