Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

 

Introduction: Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a delightful and quick-to-make seafood dish that's bursting with flavor. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a tangy lemon and garlic sauce, all served over a bed of linguine or your favorite pasta. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) of linguine or your choice of pasta
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:

• Cook the linguine or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
• Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Toss with Pasta:

• Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
• Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the zesty lemon garlic sauce.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi to a serving platter or individual plates.
• Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

7. Enjoy:

• Serve your delicious Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi hot, and savor the vibrant flavors.

Pro Tips:

• For extra freshness, you can use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
• Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
• Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

This Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a restaurant-quality dish that's easy to prepare at home. Enjoy the bright and savory combination of flavors with every bite!