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Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

This Creamy Shrimp Scampi is a luxurious, flavorful pasta dish that perfectly balances succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce, enhanced by lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. It combines classic scampi flavors with a creamy twist, making it a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • Pinch of salt
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 shallot (minced)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Bayou City Lemon Pepper, Old Bay seasoning, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss well to coat all the shrimp evenly with the seasoning.
  3. Sauté Shrimp: Heat grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add unsalted butter, minced shallot, and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic and shallot are fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  8. Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the delicious, creamy blend of flavors at their best.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken stock for the white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining—it helps loosen the sauce when combining the dish.
  • Ensure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.

Keywords: shrimp scampi, creamy shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp pasta, easy shrimp dinner, creamy pasta sauce, seafood pasta recipe

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/creamy-shrimp-scampi-recipe/