![To make this dish, you need a few key items. Here is what you’ll need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving These ingredients create a rich and tasty sauce that makes the shrimp shine. You will need some tools to help you cook this dish well. Here are the main ones: - Large skillet - Pot for boiling pasta - Colander for draining pasta - Zester or grater for the lemon - Cutting board and knife for garlic and parsley Having these tools makes cooking easier and more fun. If you don't have some ingredients, don't worry! Here are a few swaps you can try: - Shrimp: Use scallops or chicken if you prefer. - Butter: Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter option. - Pasta: Any pasta works, like penne or fettuccine. - Broth: Water can work, but broth adds more flavor. These substitutions help you customize the dish to your taste while keeping it delicious. First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water to season it. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a little pasta water for later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until it is completely melted. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir the mixture and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch the garlic closely to prevent it from burning. When it smells fragrant, it’s ready for the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the shrimp to season it. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After cooking, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld perfectly. Finally, reduce the heat to low, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and stir until it melts and makes a glossy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. This dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy nights. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To cook shrimp well, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Pat them dry to avoid too much water in the pan. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color and opaque texture. This tells you the shrimp are done. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch closely. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more. For less heat, skip the flakes or use just a pinch. A squeeze of lemon juice can balance the spice. It adds zest without heat. Adjusting spice makes the dish yours. Fresh garlic is key to great flavor. Use a sharp knife to chop or mince garlic cloves. For a stronger taste, mince them finely. You can also use a garlic press for ease. Heat the garlic in butter until fragrant, but don’t let it burn. Burned garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi section. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for many other proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a hearty dish. Just adjust the cooking time. Another option is scallops. They cook fast and add a sweet flavor. You can also try fish like tilapia or cod. Just remember, cooking times will vary based on the protein you choose. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Try spinach for a fresh taste. It wilts nicely and blends well with the sauce. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. You can also use asparagus or bell peppers. Sauté them with garlic for extra taste. Feel free to mix and match based on your favorites. While linguine is classic, you can use any pasta you like. Spaghetti works well too. For a twist, try penne or fettuccine. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Each type gives a unique texture and flavor. Just cook according to package directions for the best results. For a full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi 🧄! Store any leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Place it in the fridge. This dish can stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stir often until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze garlic butter shrimp scampi, but shrimp is best fresh. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date. It will last for about two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy the Full Recipe for the perfect shrimp scampi! Garlic butter shrimp scampi lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. When you reheat it, do so gently. This will keep the shrimp tender and the flavors intact. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this dish. Just thaw them first. Place the frozen shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, they will cook just as well as fresh shrimp. You can serve garlic butter shrimp scampi with various sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread to soak up the sauce - A fresh green salad for crunch - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Steamed vegetables for a healthy touch These pairings enhance the meal and make it more satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a tasty dish you can cook at home. We covered key ingredients, tools, and steps to make this meal. I shared tips for cooking shrimp and ways to change the recipe. Proper storage and reheating tips help keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with variations and flavors. This dish is simple and fun to make. With practice, you’ll impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9dcab216-770d-481a-a268-3e480fcb1d58-300x300.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in this delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe that will impress at your dinner table! With succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and zesty lemon, it's a simple yet elegant dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this meal is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create the ultimate shrimp scampi with easy steps and fresh ingredients.