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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Simple and Flavorful Meal

by on August 17, 2025
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Ready for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and sure to impress? Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi combines big flavors with simple ingredients. In just a few easy steps, you can create a dish that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions. From succulent shrimp to a rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is a treat. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will elevate your dinner game!

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The main ingredients are quite simple. Large shrimp bring a sweet taste and a nice texture. Butter adds a rich flavor that makes the dish shine. Garlic gives it a lovely aroma and depth. You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. Just a little bit can make a big difference. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a fresh taste. For accompaniments, chicken or vegetable broth helps create a tasty sauce. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Linguine or spaghetti serves as the perfect base. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish. With these ingredients, you create a simple yet flavorful meal that impresses. To start, cook 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti in a large pot. Use salted boiling water for the best flavor. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save some pasta water. This water helps thicken the sauce later. Next, take a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not browned. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. After 30 seconds, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. After cooking the shrimp, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring this to a simmer and let it reduce by half. This should take about 5 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for another 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the zest of the lemon and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix everything well. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. - How to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough. Keep an eye on them! - The role of pasta water in sauce consistency Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce. Add a little at a time to get your desired sauce texture. - Adding herbs or spices for extra flavor Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. You can also try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano. They add depth to the sauce. - Alternative ingredients for customization Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops if you like. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrition. - Best pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Serve this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity balances the rich butter sauce nicely. - Ideas for side dishes or salads Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both add freshness and texture to your meal. A side of steamed veggies also works well. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free meal, try using gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that taste delicious. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These veggies add flavor and keep it light. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can swap it for chicken or even tofu. Chicken cooks well with garlic and butter, just like shrimp. If you want a veggie option, use mushrooms or bell peppers. These add great texture and flavor to the dish. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a bold kick. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Adjust the heat to your taste for the perfect spicy dish. To store your cooked Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, cool it first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the shrimp and pasta in the container together. This helps keep the flavors blended. Use it within 2-3 days for the best taste. Always label the container with the date. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat gently, stirring often. This way, the shrimp won’t overcook. Check if they are warm, not chewy. If you prefer, you can also microwave it. Just cover it lightly and heat in short bursts. Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. However, the shrimp may change texture. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion. Label it with the date and use it within 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly as mentioned above. Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi takes about 25 minutes. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 15 minutes This quick meal is perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinners. Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the linguine and shrimp but keep them separate. - Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. - When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the shrimp and pasta. This helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with these options: - Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great. - Side dish: A simple green salad or garlic bread adds freshness. These choices enhance the meal and make it feel special. This blog post covers everything you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor options and variations. Plus, I shared best practices for storage and reheating. Now, you have the tools to create a tasty dish. Make it your own with various swaps or spice levels. Enjoy your cooking and impress your guests with this simple and delicious recipe.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Ingredients

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

Accompaniments

– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 8 oz linguine or spaghetti

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

The main ingredients are quite simple. Large shrimp bring a sweet taste and a nice texture. Butter adds a rich flavor that makes the dish shine. Garlic gives it a lovely aroma and depth.

You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. Just a little bit can make a big difference. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a fresh taste.

For accompaniments, chicken or vegetable broth helps create a tasty sauce. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Linguine or spaghetti serves as the perfect base.

Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish. With these ingredients, you create a simple yet flavorful meal that impresses.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

To start, cook 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti in a large pot. Use salted boiling water for the best flavor. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save some pasta water. This water helps thicken the sauce later.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Next, take a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not browned. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. After 30 seconds, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Combining Ingredients

After cooking the shrimp, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring this to a simmer and let it reduce by half. This should take about 5 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for another 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the zest of the lemon and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix everything well. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Key Cooking Tips

– How to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough. Keep an eye on them!

– The role of pasta water in sauce consistency

Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce. Add a little at a time to get your desired sauce texture.

Flavor Enhancements

– Adding herbs or spices for extra flavor

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. You can also try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano. They add depth to the sauce.

– Alternative ingredients for customization

Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops if you like. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

– Best pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Serve this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity balances the rich butter sauce nicely.

– Ideas for side dishes or salads

Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both add freshness and texture to your meal. A side of steamed veggies also works well.

Variations

Gluten-Free Options

If you want a gluten-free meal, try using gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that taste delicious. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These veggies add flavor and keep it light.

Ingredient Swaps

If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can swap it for chicken or even tofu. Chicken cooks well with garlic and butter, just like shrimp. If you want a veggie option, use mushrooms or bell peppers. These add great texture and flavor to the dish.

Spicy Version

To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a bold kick. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Adjust the heat to your taste for the perfect spicy dish.

Storage Info

Leftovers

To store your cooked Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, cool it first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the shrimp and pasta in the container together. This helps keep the flavors blended. Use it within 2-3 days for the best taste. Always label the container with the date.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat gently, stirring often. This way, the shrimp won’t overcook. Check if they are warm, not chewy. If you prefer, you can also microwave it. Just cover it lightly and heat in short bursts.

Freezing Tips

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. However, the shrimp may change texture. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion. Label it with the date and use it within 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly as mentioned above.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi takes about 25 minutes. Here’s the breakdown:

– Prep time: 10 minutes

– Cooking time: 15 minutes

This quick meal is perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinners.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time. Here are some tips:

– Cook the linguine and shrimp but keep them separate.

– Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge.

– When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the shrimp and pasta.

This helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy.

What goes well with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with these options:

– Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great.

– Side dish: A simple green salad or garlic bread adds freshness.

These choices enhance the meal and make it feel special.

This blog post covers everything you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor options and variations. Plus, I shared best practices for storage and reheating.

Now, you have the tools to create a tasty dish. Make it your own with various swaps or spice levels. Enjoy your cooking and impress your guests with this simple and delicious recipe.

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The main ingredients are quite simple. Large shrimp bring a sweet taste and a nice texture. Butter adds a rich flavor that makes the dish shine. Garlic gives it a lovely aroma and depth. You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. Just a little bit can make a big difference. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a fresh taste. For accompaniments, chicken or vegetable broth helps create a tasty sauce. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Linguine or spaghetti serves as the perfect base. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish. With these ingredients, you create a simple yet flavorful meal that impresses. To start, cook 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti in a large pot. Use salted boiling water for the best flavor. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save some pasta water. This water helps thicken the sauce later. Next, take a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not browned. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. After 30 seconds, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. After cooking the shrimp, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring this to a simmer and let it reduce by half. This should take about 5 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for another 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the zest of the lemon and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix everything well. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. - How to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough. Keep an eye on them! - The role of pasta water in sauce consistency Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce. Add a little at a time to get your desired sauce texture. - Adding herbs or spices for extra flavor Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. You can also try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano. They add depth to the sauce. - Alternative ingredients for customization Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops if you like. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrition. - Best pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Serve this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity balances the rich butter sauce nicely. - Ideas for side dishes or salads Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both add freshness and texture to your meal. A side of steamed veggies also works well. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free meal, try using gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that taste delicious. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These veggies add flavor and keep it light. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can swap it for chicken or even tofu. Chicken cooks well with garlic and butter, just like shrimp. If you want a veggie option, use mushrooms or bell peppers. These add great texture and flavor to the dish. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a bold kick. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Adjust the heat to your taste for the perfect spicy dish. To store your cooked Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, cool it first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the shrimp and pasta in the container together. This helps keep the flavors blended. Use it within 2-3 days for the best taste. Always label the container with the date. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat gently, stirring often. This way, the shrimp won’t overcook. Check if they are warm, not chewy. If you prefer, you can also microwave it. Just cover it lightly and heat in short bursts. Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. However, the shrimp may change texture. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion. Label it with the date and use it within 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly as mentioned above. Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi takes about 25 minutes. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 15 minutes This quick meal is perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinners. Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the linguine and shrimp but keep them separate. - Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. - When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the shrimp and pasta. This helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with these options: - Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great. - Side dish: A simple green salad or garlic bread adds freshness. These choices enhance the meal and make it feel special. This blog post covers everything you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor options and variations. Plus, I shared best practices for storage and reheating. Now, you have the tools to create a tasty dish. Make it your own with various swaps or spice levels. Enjoy your cooking and impress your guests with this simple and delicious recipe.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine and fresh cherry tomatoes create a meal that's sure to impress. In just 25 minutes, you can serve a dish that bursts with flavor and elegance. Click through to explore the step-by-step instructions and enjoy a seafood feast at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the linguine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

    In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

      Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, then add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).

        Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

          In the same skillet, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.

            Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

              Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix in the lemon zest and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the shrimp are well coated and everything is heated through.

                Toss the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

                  Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

                    Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 25 mins | Serves 4