Dive into the flavor explosion of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes.
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving When making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you want fresh, tasty ingredients. Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean and have a firm texture. If you can't find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw it properly. You can change things up if needed. For a protein swap, try chicken or tofu. Both work well with the lemon and garlic flavors. If you want a vegan option, use mushrooms or chickpeas. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. It cooks just like regular pasta. Fresh shrimp is great for taste. It cooks quickly and has a nice texture. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it right. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. This keeps the shrimp juicy. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the shrimp unevenly. Want the full recipe? Check out the [Full Recipe] for details. To cook linguine or spaghetti perfectly, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for al dente. To check, taste a piece; it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will help bring your dish together later. For sautéing, use medium heat. Begin by melting the butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Wait until it foams and bubbles. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not brown. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded; this helps them cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Pour in the lemon zest and juice. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Next, add the reserved pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together, letting the pasta soak up the flavors. If it looks too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will give you a nice, creamy texture. When serving, transfer the shrimp scampi to bowls or plates. Top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for flavor. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To get the best flavor balance, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp and lemons shine in this dish. When cooking garlic, don't let it burn. A gentle heat brings out its sweet taste. Mix the lemon juice in just before serving. This keeps the flavor bright and zesty. - Avoiding overcooked shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Watch them closely! Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they turn tough. - Ensuring garlic doesn't burn: Sauté garlic over medium heat. Stir often while it cooks. It should smell great, not burnt. If it burns, the flavor turns bitter. Pair your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with a side salad. A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For wine, a chilled white like Sauvignon Blanc works well. It complements the shrimp and lemon flavors. Consider a light red too, like Pinot Noir, if you prefer. Enjoy your meal with these tips, and don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} To give your scampi some heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. If you like it hot, add more. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a punch. Slice them thin and toss them in with the garlic. This adds a fresh flavor along with the heat. For a Mediterranean touch, add veggies. Spinach and cherry tomatoes work great. Add them after the garlic but before the shrimp. The tomatoes will soften and sweeten. The spinach will wilt down nicely. Both add color and nutrition. You can even toss in some olives or artichokes for more flavor. If you prefer a creamy sauce, add heavy cream. After cooking the shrimp, pour in half a cup of cream. Stir it in and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will create a rich, velvety sauce. You can also mix in some grated cheese for extra creaminess. Serve this version over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete recipe and detailed steps, check the Full Recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi fresh, store it properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp and pasta from drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This step prevents moisture buildup in the container. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the scampi. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheating your shrimp scampi requires care. You want to keep the shrimp tender and the pasta tasty. The best way is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir gently until warm. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts. This way, you avoid overcooking the shrimp. Keeping the texture and flavor intact makes all the difference! I always choose large shrimp for scampi. They have a nice texture and cook well. Fresh shrimp taste the best, but frozen shrimp can work too. When using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe and tasty. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea smell. Yes, you can prep Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi ahead. Cook the shrimp and sauce early, then store them in the fridge. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. It's best to cook the pasta fresh before serving. This keeps it al dente and delicious. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. My favorite side is garlic bread, which complements the dish well. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi can be gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options. Always check labels for hidden gluten in sauces. If you want to skip the pasta, serve it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal. Enjoy your meal without worry! In this blog post, we explored making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, from key ingredients to cooking tips. You learned about the right type of shrimp, cooking pasta, and best practices for flavor. Remember, fresh shrimp gives the best taste, but frozen can work too if thawed properly. Always avoid overcooking shrimp for the perfect bite. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal that impresses. Get creative with variations and don’t forget the sides. Happy cooking!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6a536688-41c8-45a1-83a6-514b30ab5f52-250x250.webp)