Min Garlic Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) For this Min Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. The large shrimp should be peeled and deveined to ensure a smooth eating experience. Spaghetti or linguine works well as a base. The garlic is the star of this dish. Use six cloves, freshly minced, for the best flavor. Olive oil and unsalted butter create a rich base for the sauce. If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Lemon zest and juice add brightness. Don't skip these; they balance the dish perfectly. Salt and pepper bring out the flavors, while fresh parsley adds a nice touch and color on top. Lastly, if you love cheese, consider adding grated Parmesan for extra depth. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a quick, tasty meal that impresses! To start, boil water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When it's ready, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water helps to make the sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter melts, add 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you like a little spice. Stir the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let it burn! Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin your dish. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Perfect shrimp should be slightly firm but not rubbery. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently. If the mixture seems dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water. This will create a light, tasty sauce that coats the pasta well. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. If you want, serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich finish to your meal. Enjoy your Min Garlic Shrimp Scampi! To balance garlic and shrimp, use fresh garlic. I prefer six cloves for a bold taste. Sauté the garlic gently in oil and butter. This way, you avoid burning it, which can turn it bitter. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor. Try adding herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh twist. Shrimp cooks fast, so avoid overcooking it. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. If they curl tightly, they are likely overcooked. Perfectly cooked shrimp should feel firm yet tender. For al dente pasta, cook it in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions closely. To use leftover pasta water, save about half a cup before draining. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce when added to the skillet later. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type for this dish. Try penne or fettuccine if you like. Each type gives a different bite. For seafood, you can use scallops or even fish. They cook fast and taste great with the garlic and lemon. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands taste just as good. For a vegan version, swap the shrimp for mushrooms. You can also use plant-based butter in place of regular butter for a rich flavor. Add veggies to your scampi for more color and taste. Spinach or cherry tomatoes work well. They cook quickly and add nutrition. You can also try different herbs. Fresh basil or dill can give a fresh twist to the dish. Min Garlic Shrimp Scampi is best in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before storing, let it cool to room temperature. Avoid leaving it out too long to prevent bacteria growth. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or microwave. To freeze shrimp scampi, let it cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, warm it gently in a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil or water if it seems dry. Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that features shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and lemon. It comes from Italian-American cuisine and has roots in Italy. The dish often uses pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, to soak up the tasty sauce. Yes, you can prepare shrimp scampi ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat the sauce and combine it with the pasta. This method keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can serve shrimp scampi with several side dishes: - Garlic bread: A crunchy, flavorful option. - Salad: A light, crisp green salad pairs well. - Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus or broccoli for a healthy touch. For wine pairings, I recommend: - A chilled Sauvignon Blanc for a crisp flavor. - A light Pinot Grigio to complement the dish. You can tell shrimp is done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. If they curl too tightly into an O shape, they may be overcooked. Cooking shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side usually does the trick. Shrimp scampi is a simple and tasty dish that everyone can make. We covered the key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and flavor enhancers. The step-by-step instructions help you cook the pasta, sauté garlic, and prepare shrimp just right. With tips on variations and storage, you can adapt this dish to your needs. Enjoy making it your own and sharing it with others. Cooking shrimp scampi can be fun and rewarding, giving you a delicious meal every time. Dive into the flavors and make it today!$

Whip up this delicious 15-minute garlic shrimp scampi for a quick and satisfying meal! Featuring juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a splash of lemon, this simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Tossed with spaghetti and topped with fresh parsley, it’s a dish that delights every palate. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dinner to your table tonight!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

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

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.

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

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce, if needed.

Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

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