Imagine diving into a plate of succulent, buttery shrimp dancing with garlic and bright lemon, twirled around perfectly cooked spaghetti - all without spending hours in the kitchen! This Quick and Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is your ticket to a gourmet meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant, but can be whipped up faster than you can order takeout. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's so delicious, they'll be begging you to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 lb of spaghetti.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the 1/4 cup of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the 1/4 cup of lemon juice and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- When the spaghetti is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic sauce.
- Toss the spaghetti in the skillet to coat it evenly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the lemon garlic shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp that smells clean and ocean-like, with no ammonia odor.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Always keep a little reserved before draining.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides the most robust flavor. Pre-minced garlic from a jar can taste less vibrant.
- Adjust Lemon to Taste: Not everyone likes the same level of tanginess. Start with the recommended amount of lemon juice and adjust to your preference.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after cooking. The flavors are most vibrant when served immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 250mg
