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- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Large pot - Large skillet - Cooking utensils The main ingredients for garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta are simple. You need linguine or spaghetti, which brings a nice texture. Use large shrimp for better bites. Unsalted butter adds richness while garlic gives great flavor. The seasoning and garnish bring life to the dish. Crushed red pepper flakes add heat. Lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. You can add Parmesan cheese for creaminess, but it's optional. You will need a large pot to boil the pasta and a large skillet to sauté the shrimp. Having good cooking utensils helps mix everything well. With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to make a tasty meal in just 15 minutes! - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. - Cook according to the package until al dente. - Drain the pasta and save ½ cup of the pasta water. - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. - Toss in 1 pound of large shrimp, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. - Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the skillet. - Add the zest of 1 lemon and the drained pasta. - Toss everything together so they mix well. - Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. - Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. - If you like, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. To get the best sauce, adjust the pasta water. When you drain the pasta, save some water. This helps make the sauce creamy. Start by adding a little at a time. Then mix it until it feels right. Lemon plays a big role in balancing flavors. The juice adds freshness. The zest gives a punch. Don’t skip these steps. They brighten the shrimp and pasta. Adjust the lemon to your taste, too. To sauté shrimp correctly, heat your skillet first. Use medium heat and add butter. Wait until it melts, then add garlic. After 30 seconds, add the shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t overcook, or they’ll be tough. Cooking pasta perfectly is key. Boil water with salt for flavor. Add the pasta when it’s bubbling. Stir it gently. Cook until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bite. Drain and reserve that pasta water for the sauce. When serving, choose a large bowl or individual plates. This makes it look special. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds richness. For a fresh touch, add lemon wedges on the side. This makes your dish inviting and beautiful. {{image_2}} You can change the shrimp in this dish. Chicken or scallops work well. For chicken, use boneless pieces. Cook them until golden and then add garlic. For scallops, sear them for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. They add a nice touch to the pasta. If you want a vegetarian dish, try mushrooms or zucchini. Both soak up the sauce well. You can also use chickpeas for more protein. Just sauté them with garlic and butter like you do with the shrimp. To make garlic butter shrimp scampi even tastier, add white wine. A splash of dry white wine adds depth. Pour it in after cooking the shrimp. Let it cook down for a minute. This step enhances the sauce's flavor. You can also adjust the spice levels. If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, skip them or use less. This recipe is your canvas, so paint it how you like! You can swap the pasta for a gluten-free option. Brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta is great. They cook similarly and taste yummy. If you want to try different noodles, go for fettuccine or penne. Both will hold the sauce well and add a nice twist. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your meal, so pick what you love! - How to Store Leftovers: Let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Cover it well to keep moisture in. You can also use plastic wrap over a bowl. - Shelf Life in the Fridge: Store your garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta in the fridge for up to three days. After that, it may lose its taste and texture. - Best Methods for Reheating without Drying Out: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Stir often until heated through. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. - Safe Microwave Tips: If you use a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a bit of water. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. This dish is quick and easy. It takes only 15 minutes to make. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 5 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 15 minutes With this simple plan, you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave. This way, you can savor the flavors later without losing taste. This pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Side Dish Suggestions: - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - A simple green salad - Pairing with Appetizers and Salads: - Caprese salad - Bruschetta - Shrimp cocktail These options will enhance your meal and make it even more delightful. This post covered how to make garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta. We explored the key ingredients and kitchen tools you need. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting your dish. We also looked at different variations, storage methods, and FAQs. In conclusion, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy trying your own twists on it! Make it your own and share it with loved ones.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta 15 Minutes

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta with this easy recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce and served over linguine. Discover the step-by-step guide and unlock the secrets to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine well.

          Add Remaining Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and just enough reserved pasta water to create a light sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated and heated through (about 1-2 minutes).

            Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if using.

              - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp scampi pasta in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For added elegance, serve with lemon wedges on the side.