Shrimp Scampi Sensation: Garlic Cream Shrimp Over Rice

Garlic, butter, shrimp, and cream – need I say more? This Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Cream Sauce served over fluffy rice is a weeknight dinner dream come true. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Forget takeout; this restaurant-quality dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes. This recipe elevates classic shrimp scampi by adding a touch of richness and decadence with a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp and garlicky goodness.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for a special occasion. The creamy garlic sauce is so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean! It’s versatile, too – feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables.

## Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Restaurant Quality:** Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and elegant meal.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your liking – add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the rice for pasta.
* **Comfort Food:** The creamy sauce and tender shrimp make this a comforting and satisfying meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy shrimp scampi:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work. I recommend using shrimp that are 26-30 count per pound.
* **Rice:** Cooked rice, for serving. Use your favorite type of rice – white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. About 2 cups cooked is usually sufficient for 4 servings.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is the star of the show! Don’t be shy.
* **Shallots:** 1 small shallot, finely chopped. Shallots add a subtle oniony flavor that complements the garlic.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, you can substitute chicken broth.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). For a touch of heat.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. For garnish and a pop of freshness.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously!
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the shallots and garlic.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Cream Sauce:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

* If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown properly in the pan.
* Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.

**Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Shallots**

* In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Deglaze the Pan with Wine**

* Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where a lot of flavor is!
* Let the wine reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.

**Step 4: Add the Cream and Lemon Juice**

* Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

**Step 5: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
* Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

* Stir the shrimp into the garlic cream sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
* Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
* Serve the Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Cream Sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic has a much more intense flavor than jarred garlic.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** Deglazing the pan with wine is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip this step!
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Add more or less red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level to your liking.
* **Use Good Quality Butter:** Good quality butter will add richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **Serve Immediately:** Shrimp Scampi is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Pasta:** Serve the Shrimp Scampi over pasta instead of rice. Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta are all good choices.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the shrimp. Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
* **Chicken Broth:** If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth.
* **Coconut Milk:** For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Add some greens:** Stir in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrients.

## Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Cream Sauce is delicious served over rice, but here are a few other serving suggestions:

* **With Pasta:** As mentioned earlier, this dish is fantastic served over pasta.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious garlic cream sauce.
* **With a Side Salad:** A simple green salad is a perfect complement to the rich and creamy shrimp scampi.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve smaller portions as an appetizer.
* **As a topping for Bruschetta:** Spoon the shrimp scampi over toasted baguette slices for a tasty appetizer.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the shrimp.
* **Storage:** Leftover Shrimp Scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the shrimp may become rubbery.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

**Q: What kind of wine should I use?**

A: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is best for this recipe. You can also use a dry rosé.

**Q: Can I make this without wine?**

A: Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for the wine.

**Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?**

A: While you can use milk, the sauce will not be as rich and creamy. Heavy cream is recommended for the best results.

**Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?**

A: The key is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?**

A: Yes, you can add your favorite vegetables. Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.

**Q: Can I make this spicy?**

A: Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

## Recipe Card

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* Cooked rice, for serving
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small shallot, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

### Instructions:

1. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
6. Stir the shrimp into the garlic cream sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Serve the Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Cream Sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired.

### Notes:

* Serve with cooked rice, pasta or crusty bread.
* Add vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.

Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Cream Sauce! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky sauce, and fluffy rice is simply irresistible.