Go Back
For making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth) These ingredients create a bright and fresh flavor. The shrimp gives protein and a nice texture. Garlic adds a rich taste, while lemon brings in zest and brightness. Butter rounds it all out with creaminess. You can also add some optional ingredients for garnish: - Lemon slices for serving These lemon slices make the dish look appealing. They also add an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy the vibrant colors and the fresh taste they bring! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is key for flavor. Next, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta. Don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water is rich in starch and can help make the sauce creamy. Now, let’s focus on the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of 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 but not burnt. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. You’ll see them turn pink. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully cooked and opaque. Now it’s time to add some flavor. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Stir well to mix everything together. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes. This simmering time is important as it lets the flavors blend together nicely. Next, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the shrimp mixture. Stir until the butter melts completely. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well so the noodles are coated in the sauce. If the dish looks a bit dry, slowly add some of that reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the right sauciness. For serving, dish the scampi into bowls. A nice touch is to garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your meal. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! - Best practices for cooking shrimp: Always use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and adds to the taste. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet to get a nice sear. - How to avoid overcooking shrimp: Cook shrimp only until they are pink and firm. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them from heat immediately to stop the cooking process. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and chewy, so watch them closely. - Suggestions for customizing with spices or herbs: You can add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh basil or thyme can also brighten the dish. Try adding a splash of white wine for extra depth. - Tips for achieving the ideal balance of tang and heat: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright tang. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice level. Start with a small amount, and add more if you like it spicier. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are properly thawed before cooking. Perfect Pasta Timing: To ensure your pasta and shrimp are ready at the same time, start cooking the pasta just before you sauté the shrimp. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Garnish for Presentation: Adding lemon slices and fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings an extra burst of flavor to the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the shrimp for other seafood. Scallops or crab meat work great too. If you prefer a different taste, try using fish like salmon or tilapia. Each option brings new flavors. For dietary needs, go gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty options that fit right in. You can also swap the butter for olive oil to make it dairy-free. Pair Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with a side salad. A light arugula or mixed green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with garlic bread. The crusty bread soaks up all the tasty sauce. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well. If you like non-alcoholic drinks, try sparkling water with lemon. Both drinks enhance the meal and add a nice touch. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a good option. In the freezer, it can last for about 2 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know how long it’s been stored. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help keep the shrimp moist. This helps the dish stay flavorful and tender. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Heat until everything is warm, but don’t let it boil. This way, your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi remains delicious and enjoyable. Shrimp cook quickly. They turn pink and curl into a C shape when done. If they look gray or are straight, they need more time. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This ensures they are tender and juicy. Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Thaw them in the fridge or under cold water. Make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents a rubbery texture. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great option. You can also use lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. These options add flavor without the alcohol. The spice level depends on the red pepper flakes. Use 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat. If you like it spicier, add more to taste. Adjusting spice makes this dish suit your taste. I recommend making this dish fresh for the best flavor. If you must prepare it ahead, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the shrimp tender. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi and shared step-by-step cooking tips. You learned how to sauté shrimp, combine flavors, and finish the dish perfectly. We also offered variations for dietary needs and tips on storing leftovers. Cooking this dish is easy and rewarding. With the right techniques, you can enjoy a delicious meal any night. Dive into this recipe and impress yourself and your guests. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

A flavorful shrimp dish with lemon, garlic, and a hint of spice, served over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • optional lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the shrimp mixture and stir until melted. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat the noodles with the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauciness is achieved.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and toss to combine.
  • Serve the scampi in bowls, and garnish with lemon slices on the side for an extra touch of freshness.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spice level.
Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, scampi, shrimp