Hey, it’s Anne here again from Beyond the Bayou blog. I’ve been working in restaurants for years now, and let me tell you, shrimp scampi is one dish that never goes out of style. It’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this creamy shrimp scampi recipe is sure to be a hit.
The thing I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
And it comes together so quickly! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table.
What really sets this version apart is the luscious cream sauce. It’s rich and decadent, but not too heavy. The garlic, wine, and lemon give it such a bright, vibrant flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Serve it over pasta or rice for a hearty meal, or even just by itself with some crusty bread for sopping up that amazing sauce.
What Type Of Shrimp Is Best?
- Size Matters: Go for extra large or large shrimp. They’re the perfect size—big enough for a satisfying bite, but not too overwhelming.
- Frozen Advantage: Surprisingly, frozen shrimp can be a great choice. Thawed frozen shrimp let you control the quality and timing of your meal prep. It’s like having a secret stash of deliciousness in your freezer, ready for a quick and scrumptious shrimp scampi whenever you want an easy weeknight dinner.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 20 large shrimp uncooked
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch as needed
- Juice of one lemon approx. 3 Tablespoons
- Parsley for garnish
- 1 lb pasta of choice cooked
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as per package instructions.
- Heat oil in a large skillet, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute before adding shrimp; cook until shrimp turn pink (about 4 minutes), then set shrimp aside.
- Pour whole milk into the skillet, whisking occasionally, and bring to a boil; if needed, thicken with cornstarch.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Mix in the pasta and shrimp, coat well, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Tips You Must Try!
- Shrimp Choice: You can use shrimp with tails on or off. We kept the tails on for better visual appeal, especially if you’re snapping some photos.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: Fresh wild-caught shrimp are the best for flavor, but frozen shrimp work well too. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Butter Options: If you prefer unsalted butter, go for it! Just remember to season the shrimp to your liking to make up for the lack of salt.
- Cream Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to use reduced-fat cream, half and half, or even heavy cream based on your preference. For a lighter option, evaporated milk is a great low-calorie substitute.
What To Serve With Creamy Shrimp Scampi?
