Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that bursts with vibrant flavors? This Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp Scampi – Fresh & Bright is the perfect dish to elevate your dinner table. Combining succulent shrimp with a tangy lemon garlic sauce and aromatic herbs, this recipe delivers a refreshing twist on the classic shrimp scampi. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
The beauty of this shrimp scampi recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s one of those shrimp recipes easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. The bright notes of lemon sauce paired with tender pasta and juicy shrimp create a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re a fan of seafood pasta or just looking for healthy recipes to add to your rotation, this dish ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful garlic shrimp pasta that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Main Dish, Seafood Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp Scampi – Fresh & Bright Recipe
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp Scampi – Fresh & Bright Recipe!
Nutrition Information
What You’ll Need
Every component in this lemon garlic shrimp pasta plays a vital role in creating its signature taste. Here’s a breakdown of why each ingredient matters:
- Shrimp: The star of the show, providing a tender, juicy texture and mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce.
- Linguine: A classic choice for shrimp pasta recipes, its long, flat shape holds onto the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Lemon: Adds brightness and zest, cutting through the richness of the butter and creating that signature lemon butter shrimp profile.
- Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic depth to the garlic sauce, enhancing the overall savory notes.
- Butter: Provides a silky, rich base for the sauce, balancing the acidity of the lemon.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley and a hint of basil elevate the dish with earthy, vibrant undertones.
- White Wine: Optional but recommended, it adds a subtle complexity to the lemon sauce.
- Parmesan: A finishing touch that introduces a nutty, salty element to tie everything together.
INGREDIENTS
- – 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- – 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- – 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- – 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- – 1 tsp lemon zest
- – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- – 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- – 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
- Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic sauce. Add the cooked linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, basil (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or Parmesan for an added touch of brightness.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Tips for Perfect Shrimp
When preparing this shrimp scampi recipe, ensure your shrimp are properly deveined and patted dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely without becoming watery. Avoid overcooking by watching for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly—about 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough.
Customizing the Heat Level
If you enjoy a bit of spice in your garlic shrimp pasta, the red pepper flakes can be adjusted to taste. Start with a small pinch for subtle warmth, or increase to 1 tsp for a bolder kick. Alternatively, omit them entirely for a milder dish that still shines with lemon butter shrimp flavors.
Choosing the Right Pasta
While linguine is traditional for lemon garlic pasta, you can swap it for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair for a lighter texture. Each type will hold the sauce differently, so experiment to find your favorite for shrimp pasta recipes.
Enhancing the Lemon Flavor
For an extra burst of citrus in your lemon sauce, consider adding more zest or a splash of juice at the end of cooking. Be cautious not to overpower the dish—taste as you go to maintain balance with the garlic sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
This seafood pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus. A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the bright notes of the lemon butter shrimp beautifully.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce, avoiding the microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Make This Dish Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the white wine in this shrimp scampi recipe, substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or water mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice. This keeps the sauce flavorful and maintains the balance of the lemon garlic shrimp pasta.
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Yes, you can easily adapt this garlic shrimp pasta by using gluten-free pasta. There are many high-quality options available that mimic the texture of traditional linguine, ensuring you still enjoy a delicious seafood pasta experience.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Definitely! Frozen shrimp work well for shrimp recipes easy like this one. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your lemon butter shrimp dish.
How Do I Prevent Overcooking the Shrimp?
Overcooking shrimp is a common concern in shrimp pasta recipes. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, then remove them from the heat. They’ll continue to cook slightly when tossed back into the warm garlic sauce.
Conclusion
This Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp Scampi – Fresh & Bright is a delightful addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas. With its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation, it’s a go-to for anyone seeking healthy recipes that don’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this lemon garlic shrimp pasta is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ready to bring this burst of freshness to your table? Grab your ingredients and whip up this shrimp scampi recipe tonight. Don’t forget to share your experience or any creative twists you’ve added—we’d love to hear how you made it your own!