Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi is a lively twist on traditional scampi. With a bright, tangy lemon kick and aromatic herbs, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something special. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp are the star of this dish, bringing a sweet, delicate flavor and quick cooking time. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for convenience. Butter and olive oil create a rich base for the sauce, with the butter adding creaminess and the olive oil contributing a subtle fruitiness. Garlic infuses the dish with a pungent, savory aroma. Lemon juice and lemon zest provide brightness and zing, elevating the flavor profile. Chicken broth and white wine add depth and complexity to the sauce, while the fresh parsley gives it a pop of color and freshness. Red pepper flakes introduce a gentle heat, and salt and black pepper bring everything together. Finally, linguine serves as the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible, as they tend to have a better texture and flavor than frozen.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
  • If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • When zesting the lemon, avoid the white pith, as it can add bitterness.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside a creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It's best to use raw shrimp to avoid overcooking. If you must use pre-cooked, add them at the very end just to warm through.
What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy note.
Can I make this dish in advance?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before adding the shrimp and pasta.

Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. As they melt together, you'll notice a wonderful aroma beginning to fill your kitchen. Once melted, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

Next, add your 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You'll know they're done when they turn a lovely pink color. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for now.

In the same skillet, pour in the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and 1/4 cup of white wine. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. This will deglaze the pan, picking up all those tasty browned bits left from the shrimp.

Now, stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where the sauce really starts to come together, with those fresh herbs and spices adding layers of flavor.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to ensure they're well coated. Then add your 8 ounces of cooked and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly covered in the delicious sauce.

Serve immediately, and if you like, garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to your plate.
  • Perfect balance of acidity and heat with lemon and red pepper flakes.
  • A beautiful, colorful dish that looks great on the table.
  • Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 oz linguine, cooked and drained

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
6. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss together with the shrimp and sauce.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

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