Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

$- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined) - Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) - Minced garlic (4 cloves) - Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste) - Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) - Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped) - Linguine or spaghetti (8 oz, optional) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping) To make Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, gather these simple ingredients. Fresh shrimp is the star of the dish. Use large shrimp for the best texture. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. You can use unsalted butter for a creamy base. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick that you can adjust. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Fresh parsley brings a pop of color. You may add linguine or spaghetti if you like pasta. Grated Parmesan cheese makes for a tasty topping. Each ingredient plays a role in building the dish's flavor. With just a few items, you can create a meal that impresses. Don't forget to taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper for your liking. This recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. Enjoy every bite! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. - Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. - In a large skillet, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. - Heat over medium until it melts and bubbles. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Sauté for about 1 minute. - Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic. - Increase the heat and add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. - Season with salt and fresh black pepper. - Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning until they are pink and opaque. - Pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. - Stir well to mix all the flavors. - If the mix looks dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. - If using pasta, add it to the skillet. - Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. - Remove from heat. - Sprinkle with ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. To get the best flavor, garlic is key. You want to avoid burnt garlic. Use medium heat when sautéing. Cook the garlic for only about one minute. Stir it often. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter. Adjusting spice levels is easy. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. If you like it hotter, add more. Taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but you can't take it out. Serving shrimp scampi is fun. Use shallow bowls for a nice look. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. A lemon wedge on the side adds zest and brightness. To enhance visual appeal, consider the colors. The bright pink shrimp, green parsley, and yellow lemon look great together. If you want, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy touch. It makes the dish look fancy and inviting. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they only need 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will result in a rubbery texture. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency and enhance the overall flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch out the shrimp for chicken or scallops. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut them into small pieces and cook them the same way as the shrimp. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer scallops, they cook quickly. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Both options bring a new taste but keep that delicious garlic flavor. If you want a vegetarian dish, make a vegetable scampi. Use seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté the vegetables in butter with garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until they are tender. You can still add lemon juice and zest for brightness. This way, you keep the same great flavors while making it meat-free. To boost the flavors, try different herbs or spices. Fresh basil or thyme can add a new twist. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a smoky flavor. You can also experiment with citrus, like lime or orange, for a bright taste. Each change can make your dish unique and exciting. To keep your shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in the flavors. This helps prevent the dish from drying out. It's best to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. If you used pasta, store it separately. This stops the pasta from getting mushy. If you want to save space, you can use smaller containers. This makes it easier to heat just what you need. When reheating shrimp scampi, keep it simple. You can use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the shrimp moist. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir gently until warm. If you choose the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating, as this can make the shrimp tough. Enjoy the flavors just like when it was freshly made! Yes, you can skip the pasta. This dish tastes great on its own. For a lighter version, serve it over a bed of fresh greens or steamed veggies. You can also pair the shrimp with cauliflower rice. This adds flavor without the carbs. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. A bit of cayenne pepper can also work wonders. Just remember to taste as you go, so it doesn't overpower the garlic. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Steamed asparagus or broccoli for a veggie boost. - Rice or quinoa for a filling option. Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly into a C shape. If they form an O, they may be overcooked. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes in the pan, so keep an eye on them. Yes, you can freeze shrimp scampi. Place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it gently on the stove to keep the shrimp tender. This shrimp scampi dish combines simple ingredients for a fantastic meal. You can cook pasta, melt butter, and sauté garlic for amazing flavors. Add shrimp and lemon for a tasty finish. Remember to adjust the spice and use fresh herbs for the best taste. As you try variations, think about different proteins or a veggie option. With proper storage, leftovers can stay delicious. Enjoy this easy recipe often, and make it your own!$

Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

A quick and flavorful shrimp scampi dish with garlic, lemon, and parsley, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon zest and juice
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional)
to taste grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
In a large skillet, add the unsalted butter and heat over medium heat until melted and bubbly.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Increase the heat slightly and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Stir well to combine all the flavors. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
If you’re using pasta, add the cooked linguine or spaghetti to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the shrimp scampi hot, and if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the shrimp scampi in shallow bowls, garnish with additional parsley, and place a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color and extra zest.

Keyword garlic, quick meal, scampi, shrimp