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For this quick and tasty meal, gather these must-have ingredients: - 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine - 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes - Juice of 1 fresh lemon - 1/4 cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth - 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley - Salt to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These extra ingredients can boost the flavor of your dish: - Fresh basil, chopped - Cherry tomatoes, halved - A splash of white wine - Capers for a briny kick - Zest of lemon for brightness Adding any of these can bring a new twist to your shrimp scampi pasta. You need a few basic tools to make this meal: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for the shrimp scampi sauce - Colander for draining pasta - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. To start, fill a large pot with water. Make sure to add a generous amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it as per the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, firm but not hard. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about 1 minute. You want to smell the garlic, but don’t let it brown. Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. Turn them until they are pink and opaque. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Pour in the juice of 1 fresh lemon and 1/4 cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth. Let the mix simmer for 1-2 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend well. Now it’s time to combine everything! Gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss it with the shrimp and sauce. If it looks too dry, slowly add the reserved pasta water. This will give it a creamy texture. After that, stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Mix it well and taste. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. To get the best flavor in your shrimp scampi, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp gives a sweet taste. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. Use good quality butter for a rich flavor. Red pepper flakes bring a nice heat. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. If you want more depth, add a splash of white wine. Let the sauce simmer to let the flavors blend well. Cook shrimp quickly to keep them tender. Heat your skillet before adding shrimp. They take about 2-3 minutes to cook. Flip them as they turn pink. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly. Make your dish look amazing with simple touches. Use shallow bowls to serve pasta. This gives it an elegant look. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. Add a lemon wedge on the side. This not only looks nice but adds freshness. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta type in this dish. Here are some ideas: - Fettuccine: This wide noodle pairs well with the sauce. - Penne: Its shape holds the sauce nicely. - Zoodles: For a low-carb option, try spiralized zucchini. - Whole Wheat Pasta: A healthy twist that adds fiber. Each choice gives a unique taste and texture to your meal. Feel free to mix in more flavors or change ingredients. Here are some fun ideas: - Vegetables: Add in spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and health. - Protein: Scallops or chicken can replace shrimp if you prefer. - Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a new layer of flavor. - Cheese: Try feta or goat cheese for a creamy touch. These options let you create your own version of shrimp scampi pasta. Pair your pasta with sides that complement its rich taste. Here are some great choices: - Garlic Bread: Crunchy bread enhances the dish's flavors. - Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing add freshness. - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots or broccoli bring color and nutrients. - Coleslaw: A tangy slaw balances the richness of the pasta. These sides make your meal more complete and enjoyable. After enjoying your shrimp scampi pasta, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the flavors fresh, make sure to seal it tightly. If you plan to eat it later, avoid adding cheese until you reheat it. When you’re ready to enjoy the pasta again, use the stove for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the pasta moist. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid drying it out. If you want to save the dish for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled shrimp scampi pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. For easy use, divide it into single portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you’ll always have a tasty meal ready to go. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This quick thaw helps keep them juicy. After thawing, peel and devein if needed. Then, you are ready to cook them in the recipe. To add spice, use more red pepper flakes. Start with an extra half teaspoon. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. If you love spicy food, feel free to experiment with more. Remember, you can always add spice, but you can't take it away! You can replace butter with olive oil. It adds great flavor and keeps the dish healthy. Coconut oil is another option. It gives a nice taste too. Just use the same amount as butter. Your shrimp scampi will still be delicious! This blog post helped you learn the key ingredients and steps for Minute Shrimp Scampi Pasta. We covered essential cooking tips, flavor ideas, and ways to make it your own. I shared how to store and reheat leftovers, plus answered common questions. Now, you have the tools to create a simple yet tasty dish. Enjoy cooking, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors! Your kitchen is open for fun and delicious meals.

Minute Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Whip up a delicious Minute Shrimp Scampi Pasta in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe combines juicy shrimp, garlic, and a zesty lemon sauce with your choice of spaghetti or linguine for a delightful dish that’s perfect for dinner. Elevate your culinary skills and impress your family or guests with this quick yet elegant meal. Click through for the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table tonight! #ShrimpScampi #PastaRecipes #QuickMeals #DinnerInspiration
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine

1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons of unsalted butter

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

1/4 cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth

1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning the shrimp until they are pink and have turned opaque. Season with a sprinkle of salt and fresh black pepper to enhance the flavor.

        Pour in the fresh lemon juice and chicken or vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine harmoniously.

          Gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing it fluidly with the shrimp and sauce. If the pasta appears too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired creaminess and consistency is achieved.

            Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, mixing thoroughly to incorporate it with the pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve the shrimp scampi pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 15 min | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with extra parsley leaves and a fresh lemon wedge to add a vibrant pop of color. This not only beautifies the dish but also offers diners a hint of extra citrus if they wish.