As I stood in my kitchen, the smell of garlic in butter filled the air. It reminded me of a fancy dinner party. There, creamy shrimp scampi was the main dish.
This dish was simple yet very satisfying. It impressed my guests and made the evening special. The shrimp in a creamy sauce with pasta was loved by all.
This easy shrimp scampi recipe is more than food. It’s a way to bring people together. Whether for a date or a cozy night in, this recipe will make your meal special. Let’s make this dish for your dinner!
What is Creamy Shrimp Scampi?
Creamy Shrimp Scampi is a tasty twist on a classic dish. It’s known for its rich and flavorful taste. This version adds heavy cream and cheese to the mix.
This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. It sticks well to pasta.
The dish includes shrimp, garlic, and butter. But the creamy version is even richer. It’s great over linguine or spaghetti.
It’s perfect for dinner parties or family meals. It’s easy to make and very tasty.
This creamy seafood pasta is good for a cozy night. It has protein and healthy fats. Each serving has about 469 calories and 30 grams of protein.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Scampi
I love Creamy Shrimp Scampi for many reasons. It’s a hit with everyone. It mixes wild-caught colossal shrimp with a creamy sauce. This makes a dish that’s full of flavor and makes everyone want more.
This recipe is quick to make, under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights or surprise guests. Every bite is a mix of garlic, butter, and cream. It’s a treat for seafood lovers.
This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. It has 549 calories per serving. It has carbs, protein, and fats for a filling meal. The spices and herbs add more flavor. It’s great over linguine or on its own. This Creamy Shrimp Scampi is the best you can make.
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Shrimp Scampi
The right ingredients make a big difference in Creamy Shrimp Scampi. I pick the best parts to make the dish taste great. Here’s what you need for this tasty recipe.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients mix well to make a tasty sauce. It makes the shrimp and pasta even better.
Recommended Cooking Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Having these tools makes cooking fun and easy. Get your ingredients and tools ready for a great time in the kitchen!
How to Prepare the Sauce for Creamy Shrimp Scampi
Making the creamy shrimp scampi sauce is easy and fun. I start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet. I heat it over medium.
Then, I add 6 minced garlic cloves. This makes the kitchen smell amazing. I cook the garlic for about a minute, so it doesn’t burn.
After that, I pour in 1 cup of white wine and ¼ cup of lemon juice. I let it simmer until it’s half gone. This makes the flavors stronger. I also add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for some heat and flavor.
When the wine and lemon have reduced, I add ¼ cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and perfect for the shrimp. I sprinkle in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and thicken the sauce. Then, I add the cooked shrimp back in, so they’re covered in the sauce.
This sauce makes the shrimp taste amazing. It’s perfect with pasta or crusty bread for a great meal.
Cooking the Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking shrimp for my creamy shrimp scampi is fun and fast. First, I pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Then, I season them with salt and pepper. This helps cook the shrimp safely and prevents them from steaming instead of searing.
Next, I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add my creamy sauce. When it’s warm, I add the seasoned shrimp. They cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. I look for a pink and opaque color to know they’re done.
Once the shrimp are cooked right, I add them back to the sauce. This mixes the flavors together. With these tips, every bite is fresh and creamy.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Detailed Instructions
Making creamy shrimp scampi is easy. First, get ready with these shrimp prep steps. This makes cooking in the kitchen go smoothly.
Prep Steps
- Gather all ingredients and cooking tools for the creamy shrimp scampi preparation.
- If necessary, peel and devein 1 pound of large shrimp.
- Minced garlic should amount to about 8 cloves to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Measure out 12 ounces of pasta, preferably spaghetti or linguine.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Cooking Steps
After getting ready, start cooking the creamy shrimp scampi:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, adding the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the shrimp, cooking for approximately 3 minutes, turning until they are pink and opaque.
- Add 1 cup of dry white wine and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes. If preferred, chicken broth can substitute the wine.
- To thicken the sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Finish the dish with 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, stirring until the butter melts.
- For an extra creamy texture, consider incorporating 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese at this stage.
- While cooking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 9 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the creamy shrimp mixture in the skillet. Serve immediately!
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Shrimp Scampi
Looking for the best sides for shrimp scampi? A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect. It matches the rich flavors and has a refreshing acidity.
Garlic bread is a great choice. It makes the meal better and lets you enjoy the sauce. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is also good. It’s a nice contrast to the creamy dish.
Adding a light pasta as a side is smart. Lemon butter pasta is quick to make and pairs well. You could also try traditional risotto, which is creamier but takes longer.
These sides make your meal better and more memorable. They highlight the flavors of your shrimp scampi. Enjoy trying these ideas and making your meal special!
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Scampi
To make a tasty Creamy Shrimp Scampi, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. This choice makes the dish taste better and feel nice in your mouth. When cooking the shrimp, remember: don’t overcook them!
It only takes 2-3 minutes for them to turn pink and look right. Cooking them too long makes them tough.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a great tip for shrimp scampi. It tastes richer and melts well into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adding a bit of pasta water helps.
Also, make sure to season it right so every bite is just right. By following these tips, I make a creamy shrimp scampi that everyone loves. It’s quick to prepare, with just under 15 minutes of prep time.
So, the shrimp is tender, and the sauce is rich and tasty. It’s a dish that everyone wants more of!
