Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi (Printable)
Enjoy succulent shrimp in a vibrant lemon-garlic butter sauce, brightened with fresh parsley. Ideal for a quick, elegant meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Aromatics and Herbs
02 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
→ Pantry Staples
04 - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Fresh Produce
07 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
→ Seasonings
08 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Additional fresh parsley, chopped
# How To Make:
01 - Cook the linguine or spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, gently pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
04 - Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to brown or burn the garlic.
05 - Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Mix well, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
06 - Return the seared shrimp to the skillet with the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently to ensure the shrimp is thoroughly coated.
07 - Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet. Toss continuously until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
08 - Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi immediately. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges, if desired, for an appealing presentation.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's astonishingly quick, truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you still want something delicious.
- The way the zesty lemon and rich garlic butter cling to the shrimp and pasta is absolutely addictive, making it feel gourmet without the effort.
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and sad, so pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- That reserved pasta water isn't just for show. It helps emulsify the sauce and makes it wonderfully silky.
03 -
- Invest in good quality shrimp. It truly makes a difference in taste and texture.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference. A little kick is lovely.