I stumbled upon this creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake recipe during a late-night Pinterest scroll, and oh boy, it’s like a warm hug in a dish. Imagine succulent shrimp swimming in a cheesy, garlicky ocean—just the kind of indulgence you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for those nights when you’re torn between comfort food and a touch of elegance.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on one side until they just begin to turn pink, then flip them over.
- Pour in the white wine or broth, and add red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces by half and the shrimp are fully cooked, being careful not to overcook them.
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Remove the pan from the heat immediately after mixing.
- Serve the shrimp scampi over rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1 ¼ pounds large shrimp, shelled with tails on or off
- Salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1212kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 116g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1032mg | Sodium: 1104mg | Potassium: 1736mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 1.6g | Vitamin A: 2964IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi without using wine?
- Yes, you can skip the wine entirely or replace it with chicken broth. Chicken broth generally provides a better flavor compared to fish broth, but if you have homemade fish broth available, feel free to use that instead.
- What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
- Extra large or jumbo shrimp (or prawns) work best for this dish as they are fat, juicy, and ideal for shrimp scampi. For the best flavor, color, and health benefits, try to use wild-caught shrimp over farm-raised options.
- What is the recommended type of wine to use in this recipe?
- A good quality white wine is recommended for this dish. A Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice, but you can also use Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
- How do I prevent the butter from burning while cooking the shrimp?
- To avoid burning the butter, cook the shrimp in a combination of butter and olive oil. If you prefer to use only butter, be aware it may start to brown during cooking, which can add a different flavor to the dish.
- What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi to keep it low-carb?
- For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or alongside steamed cauliflower.
Tips
- Prepare all ingredients in advance and keep them near your cooking area, as the recipe cooks quickly and you don’t want to overcook the shrimp.
- Use a combination of butter and olive oil to sauté the shrimp. This prevents the butter from burning while still providing a rich flavor.
- Opt for extra-large or jumbo shrimp, preferably wild-caught, for better flavor, color, and health benefits compared to farm-raised options.
- Choose a quality white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay to enhance the scampi’s flavor. If avoiding alcohol, substitute with chicken broth for a rich taste.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan – Essential for cooking the shrimp and sauce.
- Garlic press or mincer – Useful for quickly mincing garlic cloves.
- Citrus juicer – Handy for extracting lemon juice.
- Tongs – Useful for flipping the shrimp during cooking.
- Wine bottle opener – If you’re using wine in the recipe, you’ll need this.