![To make Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi, gather these key items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Olive oil for drizzling For customization, you can add: - A splash of white wine for depth - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color - Spinach for added nutrition When picking shrimp, look for: - Wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor - Frozen shrimp can be great too; just thaw properly I encourage you to check the [Full Recipe] for all the steps and tips to perfect this dish. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s easy and fun to make! To cook the pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should be firm yet tender. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta but save 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Now, let's clean the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water to remove any grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, add 4 minced garlic cloves and, if you like spice, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can taste bitter. Timing is key here; you want to add the garlic after the butter melts but before it browns. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon, along with 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped basil. Toss everything together. This allows the shrimp to be coated in the garlic butter mixture. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet. If the dish seems dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss well to mix all the ingredients. Now you have a flavorful delight ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier sections. To make your Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi even better, think about using extra herbs. Fresh thyme, oregano, or dill can add a nice twist. You can also try a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Lemon plays a key role in this dish. It helps balance the rich butter and garlic. The bright juice cuts through the fat, making each bite refreshing. Don't skip the lemon zest, either. It adds a burst of flavor and aroma. You can cook shrimp in different ways. Grilling gives shrimp a smoky flavor. Just marinate them in the garlic butter mix before grilling. This adds a nice char and depth. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color. They should turn pink and opaque in just 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from heat as soon as they change color. You want them tender, not rubbery. Serving shrimp scampi in a large pasta bowl looks impressive. You can layer the pasta first, then add the shrimp on top. This creates a beautiful contrast. Garnish with extra chopped herbs for color. A slice of lemon on the side adds flair. Drizzling a little olive oil gives it a shiny finish. Your dish will be both tasty and visually appealing! {{image_2}} You can swap out the pasta to change things up. Instead of linguine, try fettuccine or penne. Each pasta type brings a new texture to the dish. You can even use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a healthier option. Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the dish. You can toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. These vegetables add color and nutrients. If you want more protein, consider adding chicken or scallops. They pair well with the garlic butter sauce. For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. Brands like Barilla or Banza offer great choices. Just make sure to follow their cooking times for the best results. If you want a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter. You can also find dairy-free butter for a similar taste. Just keep an eye on the flavors. Using fresh herbs and lemon juice will keep your dish bright and tasty. Feel free to explore and make this dish your own. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi, first, let it cool. Place the dish in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. Refrigerate and eat within three days for the best taste. The shrimp may lose some texture over time but will still be safe to eat. Reheat your shrimp scampi in a skillet. Use low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until everything is warmed through. If you want to boost the flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice before serving. This will bring back the dish’s bright taste. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe for additional ideas on enhancing your meals. How long does it take to make? It takes about 25 minutes to make Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi. You can prep in 10 minutes and cook in 15. Can I make this dish ahead of time? I recommend making this dish fresh. It tastes best right after cooking. However, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead. Just reheat gently before serving. What to serve with shrimp scampi? Shrimp scampi pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies. You can also serve it over rice or with crusty bread. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. How can I adjust the spice level? You can adjust the spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip the flakes. For more heat, add extra flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Where to find the full recipe for Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi? You can find the full recipe for Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi in the detailed recipe section above. In this blog post, we covered how to make Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi. We explored the ingredients, learned about cooking techniques, and discovered tips for perfecting the dish. You can customize it to your taste and dietary needs. Remember, timing is key for the sauce to shine. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and presentation. With practice, you will serve a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/f846f953-ba2b-4a08-8dcc-a3823477480a-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in this delicious Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Scampi recipe that's quick and easy to make! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish combines succulent shrimp with garlic, herbs, and zesty lemon over a bed of pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this flavorful meal.