Zesty Lemon-Basil Shrimp Scampi

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Meet your new go-to dish for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering: Zesty Lemon-Basil Shrimp Scampi. This vibrant and fresh recipe is a celebration of flavors, combining the zestiness of lemon with the aromatic punch of basil. It's quick to make, yet impressive enough to wow your guests.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon-Basil Shrimp Scampi

The star of this dish is, of course, the shrimp. Choose large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Garlic adds a warm, aromatic base that pairs perfectly with seafood. The olive oil helps cook the garlic gently and infuses the shrimp with flavor. Butter adds richness to the sauce, while lemon juice brings a zesty brightness. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors. The red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat that balances the dish. Finally, basil and Parmesan cheese bring freshness and umami, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
  • For extra lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp; they become rubbery if cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, and some crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne.
Is there a substitute for basil?
If basil isn’t your thing, try using parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Zesty Lemon-Basil Shrimp Scampi Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside—you'll want it ready to toss into the sauce later.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and let it cook until it's fragrant, which should only take about a minute. You don't want to burn the garlic, just to bring out its aroma.

Add the shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they're pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, add the butter, lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, and let the mixture cook for about 3 minutes until it slightly thickens. This will be your flavorful sauce.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld all the flavors together.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Fresh flavors: The combination of lemon and basil is refreshing and light.
  • Perfect for seafood lovers with its juicy, succulent shrimp.
  • Minimal ingredients: Most are pantry staples.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz linguine pasta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add butter, lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook until the mixture slightly thickens, about 3 minutes.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the cooked linguine, and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
7. Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.

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