Name: Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
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)

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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 Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi is a fun blend of Italian and English. In Italian, “scampi” refers to small Mediterranean lobsters, and “shrimp” is the English term for similar crustaceans. When this dish crossed over to Italian-American cuisine, it mixed the best of both worlds. They took the idea of scampi and added shrimp to create a new, delicious dish. And there you have itâ€”Shrimp Scampi, a perfect, dreamy dinner for any night of the week.

What Type Of Shrimp Is Best?

Size Matters: Go for extra large or large shrimp. They’re the perfect sizeâ€”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.

Why I Love Creamy Shrimp Scampi?

Special Place in My Heart: Pasta is my comfort food, and pairing it with the creamy goodness of Shrimp Scampi makes it irresistible.
Creamy Twist: This recipe takes the classic Shrimp Scampi and elevates it with a luscious, creamy twist that will hook you from the first bite.
Simple Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it was made by a seasoned chef.
Quick and Easy: It’s a quick and easy-to-make pasta recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Convenience Meets Deliciousness: This recipe effortlessly combines convenience and deliciousness, making it a true crowd-pleaser that won’t disappoint.

Overview: How To Make Creamy Shrimp Scampi?

Indulge in a quick and delightful dinner with this Creamy Shrimp Scampi recipe, a delightful twist on the classic restaurant favorite. You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up this creamy delight in less than 20 minutes!

To get started, boil your pasta as per the package instructions. While that’s cooking away, grab a skillet and heat up some olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Then, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the shrimp. Cook them until they turn a beautiful pink hue and are cooked through – about 4 minutes should do the trick.

Once the shrimp are ready, set them aside in a cozy bowl. Now, pour in the whole milk into the same skillet and give it a gentle whisk. Let it bubble and simmer, infusing all that garlicky goodness into the milk. If it’s not thickening up on its own, don’t fret! A sprinkle of cornstarch should do the trick.

Next up, it’s time to add in the Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper for good measure. Give it a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Then, toss in your cooked pasta and the glorious shrimp, making sure every strand gets a generous coating of that creamy sauce. Just before serving, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for that zesty kick, and a sprinkle of parsley to add a pop of color. VoilÃ ! Your creamy shrimp scampi is ready to dazzle your taste buds in no time.

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?

What Makes This Dish So Creamy?

While you might think that most of the creaminess of this pasta just comes from the heavy cream added (from my go-to brandÂ Organic ValleyÂ by the way), the truth is that a lot of it actually comes from the parmesan cheese. Yup, that’s right. Personally, I love using the full brick of parmesan cheese as opposed to the powdered version.

Why Put Lemon Juice In Shrimp Scampi?

Overall, lemons are a flavor enhancer just like salt but without all the sodium. A fresh squeeze of lemon brings out the acidity of the sauce and enhances the flavor of the pasta, making the entire dish more savory.