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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Quick and Delicious Meal

by on August 19, 2025
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Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the answer! This dish bursts with flavor, blending juicy shrimp, rich butter, and zesty lemon. In just a few steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just short on time, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner. Let’s dive into the details!

- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and black pepper - Reserved pasta water Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Large shrimp are key for this dish. They bring a sweet flavor and juicy texture. Unsalted butter gives richness, while garlic adds a strong taste. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick but you can adjust it to your liking. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They add a zesty flavor that pairs well with seafood. Linguine or spaghetti is perfect for holding the sauce. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you love cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for creaminess. Make sure to have salt and black pepper ready. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. Lastly, reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce and makes everything creamy. With these ingredients, you can create a quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. When the butter starts to bubble, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without moving them. They should turn pink on one side. Carefully flip each shrimp over. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, add the other 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt fully. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Stir often but be careful not to burn the garlic. It should smell great! Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Mix everything well. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water, starting with about 1/2 cup. Toss everything together. Ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Choosing the right shrimp Use large shrimp for the best results. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. The size helps with even cooking and makes a nice presentation. Avoiding overcooked shrimp Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes. If you cook them too long, they become tough and rubbery. Adjusting with pasta water After cooking the pasta, save some of the water. If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. Flavor enhancements Add more garlic or lemon juice if you want to boost the taste. A pinch of salt or pepper can also help bring out the flavors. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Garnishing for visual appeal Use fresh parsley to add color to your dish. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. For extra flair, add a twist of lemon zest. Serving dish recommendations A shallow bowl is ideal for serving shrimp scampi. It allows the sauce to pool nicely. You can also add some garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. {{image_4}} - Substituting whole grain or gluten-free pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. It gives a nutty flavor. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with gluten issues. Both options keep the dish tasty. - Using olive oil instead of butter: Olive oil is a great substitute for butter. It has healthy fats. This swap makes the dish lighter. It also adds a slight fruity taste. - Adding cherry tomatoes or spinach: Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. They burst with flavor when cooked. Spinach adds a nice green touch. It also gives a boost of nutrients. - Using different herbs like basil or thyme: Fresh herbs can change the dish's taste. Basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch. Thyme brings a warm, earthy flavor. Both are great choices to try. - Making it dairy-free: To keep it dairy-free, skip the butter and cheese. Use a dairy-free butter substitute. This way, you keep the creamy feel without dairy. - Low-carb adaptations: You can make this dish low-carb by using zucchini noodles. They are light and full of flavor. Another option is to use shirataki noodles. They are low in calories and carbs. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep the shrimp and pasta from drying out. The scampi will stay good for 2 to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently. For reheating, you can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to prevent sticking. Stir often until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can make this meal ahead of time. Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp a day before. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also chop the garlic and parsley in advance. For freezing, you can freeze the cooked shrimp scampi. Place it in a container or freezer bag. It will stay good for about one month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal whenever you want! For scampi, large shrimp work best. I recommend using U.S. wild-caught shrimp. They have great flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. If you prefer, fresh shrimp is also a good choice. But always check for quality; they should smell fresh, not fishy. Yes, frozen shrimp is a great option. To use frozen shrimp, first, thaw them. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight. If short on time, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear better in the pan. You can enjoy shrimp scampi without pasta. Try serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options are healthy and delicious. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or on a bed of sautéed veggies. This keeps the dish light and full of flavor. You learned how to make shrimp scampi in a few simple steps. From cooking the pasta to sautéing the shrimp, each part matters. Remember to adjust your sauce with reserved pasta water for the right texture. Try fresh herbs or different pastas for a unique twist. This dish is easy to store and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy creating your own tasty shrimp scampi! You now have the tools to impress anyone at your next meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Essentials

– Salt and black pepper

– Reserved pasta water

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Large shrimp are key for this dish. They bring a sweet flavor and juicy texture. Unsalted butter gives richness, while garlic adds a strong taste. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick but you can adjust it to your liking.

Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They add a zesty flavor that pairs well with seafood. Linguine or spaghetti is perfect for holding the sauce. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you love cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for creaminess.

Make sure to have salt and black pepper ready. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. Lastly, reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce and makes everything creamy. With these ingredients, you can create a quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sautéing the Shrimp

Now, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. When the butter starts to bubble, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without moving them. They should turn pink on one side. Carefully flip each shrimp over. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate.

Making the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the other 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt fully. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Stir often but be careful not to burn the garlic. It should smell great!

Combining Ingredients

Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Mix everything well. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water, starting with about 1/2 cup. Toss everything together. Ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shrimp Scampi

Choosing the right shrimp

Use large shrimp for the best results. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. The size helps with even cooking and makes a nice presentation.

Avoiding overcooked shrimp

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes. If you cook them too long, they become tough and rubbery.

Sauce Consistency

Adjusting with pasta water

After cooking the pasta, save some of the water. If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.

Flavor enhancements

Add more garlic or lemon juice if you want to boost the taste. A pinch of salt or pepper can also help bring out the flavors. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Presentation Tips

Garnishing for visual appeal

Use fresh parsley to add color to your dish. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. For extra flair, add a twist of lemon zest.

Serving dish recommendations

A shallow bowl is ideal for serving shrimp scampi. It allows the sauce to pool nicely. You can also add some garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Variations

Healthy Swaps

– Substituting whole grain or gluten-free pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. It gives a nutty flavor. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with gluten issues. Both options keep the dish tasty.

– Using olive oil instead of butter: Olive oil is a great substitute for butter. It has healthy fats. This swap makes the dish lighter. It also adds a slight fruity taste.

Flavor Variations

– Adding cherry tomatoes or spinach: Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. They burst with flavor when cooked. Spinach adds a nice green touch. It also gives a boost of nutrients.

– Using different herbs like basil or thyme: Fresh herbs can change the dish’s taste. Basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch. Thyme brings a warm, earthy flavor. Both are great choices to try.

Dietary Modifications

– Making it dairy-free: To keep it dairy-free, skip the butter and cheese. Use a dairy-free butter substitute. This way, you keep the creamy feel without dairy.

– Low-carb adaptations: You can make this dish low-carb by using zucchini noodles. They are light and full of flavor. Another option is to use shirataki noodles. They are low in calories and carbs.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep the shrimp and pasta from drying out. The scampi will stay good for 2 to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently.

For reheating, you can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to prevent sticking. Stir often until it’s warm. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Meal Prep Suggestions

You can make this meal ahead of time. Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp a day before. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also chop the garlic and parsley in advance.

For freezing, you can freeze the cooked shrimp scampi. Place it in a container or freezer bag. It will stay good for about one month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal whenever you want!

FAQs

What is the best type of shrimp for scampi?

For scampi, large shrimp work best. I recommend using U.S. wild-caught shrimp. They have great flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. If you prefer, fresh shrimp is also a good choice. But always check for quality; they should smell fresh, not fishy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp is a great option. To use frozen shrimp, first, thaw them. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight. If short on time, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear better in the pan.

How to make shrimp scampi without pasta?

You can enjoy shrimp scampi without pasta. Try serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options are healthy and delicious. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or on a bed of sautéed veggies. This keeps the dish light and full of flavor.

You learned how to make shrimp scampi in a few simple steps. From cooking the pasta to sautéing the shrimp, each part matters. Remember to adjust your sauce with reserved pasta water for the right texture. Try fresh herbs or different pastas for a unique twist. This dish is easy to store and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy creating your own tasty shrimp scampi! You now have the tools to impress anyone at your next meal.

- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and black pepper - Reserved pasta water Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Large shrimp are key for this dish. They bring a sweet flavor and juicy texture. Unsalted butter gives richness, while garlic adds a strong taste. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick but you can adjust it to your liking. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They add a zesty flavor that pairs well with seafood. Linguine or spaghetti is perfect for holding the sauce. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you love cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for creaminess. Make sure to have salt and black pepper ready. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. Lastly, reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce and makes everything creamy. With these ingredients, you can create a quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. When the butter starts to bubble, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without moving them. They should turn pink on one side. Carefully flip each shrimp over. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, add the other 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt fully. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Stir often but be careful not to burn the garlic. It should smell great! Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Mix everything well. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water, starting with about 1/2 cup. Toss everything together. Ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Choosing the right shrimp Use large shrimp for the best results. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. The size helps with even cooking and makes a nice presentation. Avoiding overcooked shrimp Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes. If you cook them too long, they become tough and rubbery. Adjusting with pasta water After cooking the pasta, save some of the water. If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. Flavor enhancements Add more garlic or lemon juice if you want to boost the taste. A pinch of salt or pepper can also help bring out the flavors. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Garnishing for visual appeal Use fresh parsley to add color to your dish. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. For extra flair, add a twist of lemon zest. Serving dish recommendations A shallow bowl is ideal for serving shrimp scampi. It allows the sauce to pool nicely. You can also add some garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. {{image_4}} - Substituting whole grain or gluten-free pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. It gives a nutty flavor. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with gluten issues. Both options keep the dish tasty. - Using olive oil instead of butter: Olive oil is a great substitute for butter. It has healthy fats. This swap makes the dish lighter. It also adds a slight fruity taste. - Adding cherry tomatoes or spinach: Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. They burst with flavor when cooked. Spinach adds a nice green touch. It also gives a boost of nutrients. - Using different herbs like basil or thyme: Fresh herbs can change the dish's taste. Basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch. Thyme brings a warm, earthy flavor. Both are great choices to try. - Making it dairy-free: To keep it dairy-free, skip the butter and cheese. Use a dairy-free butter substitute. This way, you keep the creamy feel without dairy. - Low-carb adaptations: You can make this dish low-carb by using zucchini noodles. They are light and full of flavor. Another option is to use shirataki noodles. They are low in calories and carbs. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep the shrimp and pasta from drying out. The scampi will stay good for 2 to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently. For reheating, you can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to prevent sticking. Stir often until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can make this meal ahead of time. Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp a day before. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also chop the garlic and parsley in advance. For freezing, you can freeze the cooked shrimp scampi. Place it in a container or freezer bag. It will stay good for about one month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal whenever you want! For scampi, large shrimp work best. I recommend using U.S. wild-caught shrimp. They have great flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. If you prefer, fresh shrimp is also a good choice. But always check for quality; they should smell fresh, not fishy. Yes, frozen shrimp is a great option. To use frozen shrimp, first, thaw them. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight. If short on time, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear better in the pan. You can enjoy shrimp scampi without pasta. Try serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options are healthy and delicious. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or on a bed of sautéed veggies. This keeps the dish light and full of flavor. You learned how to make shrimp scampi in a few simple steps. From cooking the pasta to sautéing the shrimp, each part matters. Remember to adjust your sauce with reserved pasta water for the right texture. Try fresh herbs or different pastas for a unique twist. This dish is easy to store and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy creating your own tasty shrimp scampi! You now have the tools to impress anyone at your next meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in a quick and delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion! This recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine, and finished with fresh lemon and parsley. In just 20 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that will impress everyone at the table. Click through to explore this simple recipe and elevate your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a creamy finish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, sprinkle generously with salt, and bring to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Once the butter is bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without moving them until they turn pink on one side. Carefully flip each shrimp over and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until they are completely opaque and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.

      Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt completely. Once melted, introduce the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but be vigilant to prevent it from burning.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest into the skillet, mixing well. Then, add the cooked pasta and a portion of the reserved pasta water (start with about 1/2 cup). Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the buttery sauce. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with more pasta water if needed.

          Return Shrimp to the Skillet: Gently add the sautéed shrimp back into the skillet with the pasta. Carefully toss to combine and warm everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if necessary.

            Serve: Immediately plate the shrimp scampi, garnishing with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. If desired, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese for an added creamy richness.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4