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To make Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta, we need a few key items. I’ll break them down by category for you. Pasta: - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti Shrimp: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Aromatics: - 4 cloves garlic, minced Fats: - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil Seasonings: - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) You can easily swap some ingredients for what you have. If you don’t have linguine or spaghetti, try fettuccine or penne. For the shrimp, use scallops or chicken if you prefer. If you want a dairy-free option, swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil for a different flavor. These simple changes help you enjoy this dish even if you're missing some items. For the full recipe, check the details. To cook linguine or spaghetti, start by boiling salted water in a large pot. This adds flavor to your pasta. For best results, follow the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it's cooked but still firm to the bite. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help your sauce later. Next, it's time to sauté the garlic. In a large skillet, mix butter and olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts completely. Then, add the minced garlic. Stir it often for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great, but don’t let it burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin your dish. Now, you will cook the shrimp. Add them straight to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink and opaque, flip them over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Perfectly cooked shrimp will curl slightly and have a nice sheen. Once the shrimp is ready, add lemon zest and juice. This brightens up the dish. Now, gently toss in the cooked pasta. If the mix looks dry, pour in some reserved pasta water. Add it slowly until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated well with the sauce. Lastly, it’s time for the finishing touches. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for color. If you love lemon, squeeze a little more juice on top. Serve the pasta hot and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This makes for a beautiful presentation that looks gourmet! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Overcooking shrimp and pasta: This can ruin texture. Shrimp should be pink and firm. Pasta should be al dente. Keep a close eye on cooking times. - Skipping ingredient prep or substitutions: Always prep your ingredients first. This saves time and keeps you organized. If you lack an ingredient, find a suitable swap. - Additional spices and herbs for customization: You can add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. Consider using basil, oregano, or thyme. These can boost flavor without much effort. - Alternatives to butter and oil for a healthier option: Try using avocado oil or ghee. These options provide healthy fats. They also add unique flavors to the dish. - Using pre-cooked shrimp options: Pre-cooked shrimp can cut down your cooking time. Just heat them gently with the garlic for a quick meal. - Meal prep strategies for quick assembly: Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Chop garlic and herbs, and measure spices. This makes the cooking process smoother and faster. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can make shrimp scampi even better by adding vegetables. Spinach and cherry tomatoes are great choices. They add color and nutrients. To add spinach, toss it in during the last minute of cooking. It wilts quickly, making it easy to mix in. For cherry tomatoes, cut them in half and add them when you cook the shrimp. They will soften and release their juices, adding a nice flavor. If you like heat, try spicy shrimp scampi. You can use more red pepper flakes for a kick. Start with a pinch and add more to taste. You can also add crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper. Be careful not to overpower the dish. Use just enough spice to enhance the flavor. Balance is key. If it gets too spicy, add a touch of cream or extra butter to smooth it out. To make a creamy version of shrimp scampi, simply add heavy cream or cream cheese. Start with 1/2 cup of cream after you cook the shrimp. Stir it in well and let it heat up. If you want a richer flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish feel more luxurious. You can also reduce some of the pasta water to thicken the sauce. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, first let the shrimp scampi pasta cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and prevents odors. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. Glass containers are great for reheating. They won’t hold onto smells and are easy to clean. If you want to freeze shrimp scampi pasta, make sure it cools completely. Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Remove as much air as possible. This keeps the dish from getting freezer burn. For best results, eat it within three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Cover it with a damp paper towel to trap steam. This helps revive the flavors and keeps it from drying out. Add a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving for a flavor boost. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta. Shrimp scampi pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells bad, it's best to throw it away. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen is often just as good. It’s a time-saver too! Linguine or spaghetti works best for shrimp scampi. These shapes hold the sauce well and allow the shrimp to shine. You can also try fettuccine for a different texture. Just pick your favorite and enjoy! If you want shrimp scampi without wine, use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Both add great flavor. You can also add more lemon juice for a fresh taste. The key is to create depth with what you have on hand. Yes, shrimp scampi can be gluten-free! Just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Many brands offer options like rice or quinoa pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. In this blog, I broke down how to make shrimp scampi pasta. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and how to avoid common mistakes. You learned tips to enhance flavors and ideas for variations. I shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh and delicious. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste! Enjoy crafting your perfect shrimp scampi pasta!

Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta that will elevate your weeknight dinners! This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a zesty lemon touch, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for any occasion, it only takes 25 minutes from start to finish. Click through to discover how to create this delicious dish that will impress family and friends. Dive into the recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

        Add Lemon: Stir in lemon zest and juice, then gently toss in the cooked pasta, mixing everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.

          Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4