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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine, you will need: - 8 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your taste or needs. Here are a few options: - Use spaghetti or fettuccine instead of linguine if you prefer. - Frozen shrimp works well if fresh shrimp is hard to find. - Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter dish or to keep it vegetarian. - If you want less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. - For a dairy-free option, leave out the butter and cheese and use olive oil. Garnishes add a nice touch to the dish. Consider these options: - Fresh lemon wedges brighten the flavors and add a nice touch. - Extra parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. - Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the umami flavor. - Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. - A light salad with vinaigrette pairs well for a complete meal. These ingredients and suggestions will help you create a delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine that shines on any table. To start, grab a big pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 ounces of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, save half a cup of the water. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Next, take a large skillet. Place it on medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to bubble. Then, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir it for 1-2 minutes, but don’t let it brown. You want the garlic to smell great, not burnt. This will create a rich base for your sauce. Now, it’s time for the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. This step is key for getting juicy shrimp. Once cooked, we will move on to adding the broth and lemon. When selecting shrimp, size matters. Look for large shrimp, which are about 16-20 per pound. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy smell. If buying frozen shrimp, choose those that are peeled and deveined for ease. Check the packaging for a “wild-caught” label. This usually means better flavor and quality. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly. They turn pink and opaque in just a few minutes. If you leave them on the heat too long, they become rubbery. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt brings out the shrimp’s natural taste. Lastly, do not skip the lemon. It adds brightness and balances the dish. You can boost flavor in many ways. Consider adding ingredients like capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate the dish further. A splash of white wine adds depth, too. For heat lovers, more red pepper flakes can enhance the spice. Just remember to adjust to your taste. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try scallops or chicken. Scallops cook fast. They add a sweet, rich flavor. Use the same cooking method as shrimp. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it until golden brown, then follow the sauce steps. Making this dish vegetarian is simple. Swap shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini. They soak in the garlic butter sauce well. For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can still enjoy a bright lemon flavor. Shrimp scampi has many regional twists. In Italy, you might find it with white wine. This adds depth to the sauce. In New Orleans, chefs mix in spices and andouille sausage. It gives a nice kick. These variations show how versatile shrimp scampi can be! After you enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine, store any leftovers right away. Place the pasta in an airtight container. It helps keep the flavors fresh. Be sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This way, it won't steam and spoil. You can enjoy the leftovers for up to three days in the fridge. When ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. I suggest using a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. Stir gently for a few minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the shrimp tender and the flavors intact. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the best texture. Want to save some for later? Freezing is a great option! First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This step helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned for a delicious meal again! Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine takes about 30 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the dish takes around 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Frozen shrimp can taste just as good as fresh when cooked right. You can serve this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. Garlic bread complements the dish well, soaking up the tasty sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with steamed vegetables. In this post, we explored how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to perfect your dish. We looked at variations, storage tips, and common questions. Cooking shrimp scampi can be fun and rewarding. With this guide, you can create a meal that impresses. Enjoy the flavors and share this dish with others. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Savor the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine with this easy recipe! This dish combines succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that's packed with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can create an impressive dinner that your family will love. Ready to elevate your dinner routine? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. When the butter is fully melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Sauté the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

        Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and zest. Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully.

          Toss in the Linguine: Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing it with care to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Finish with Parsley: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and check the seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish immediately. For a delicious finishing touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and add a bit more fresh parsley for color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | Serves 4