Creole Shrimp Scampi
A zesty Louisiana twist on a classic! This Creole Shrimp Scampi features plump shrimp tossed in a fiery garlic butter sauce with the iconic Holy Trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper. Perfect over pasta and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Prep Shrimp: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels
- a.In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the Creole seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Trinity: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- 4
Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan
- a.Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce by about half.
- 5
Cook Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer
- a.Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a 'C' shape. Do not overcook.
- 6
Create the Sauce: Immediately remove the skillet from the heat
- a.Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter, lemon juice, the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Swirl the pan continuously until the butter melts completely and emulsifies into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- 7
Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley
- a.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately over hot pasta, creamy grits, or rice, with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Garnish with optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry Shrimp is Key: For a perfect sear, ensure your shrimp are patted completely dry. Wet shrimp will steam instead of searing, resulting in a rubbery texture.
- 2Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. If your skillet isn't large enough, cook them in two batches.
- 3Mise en Place: This recipe comes together very quickly. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking.
- 4Cold Butter for a Creamy Sauce: Adding cold butter to the pan *off the heat* is the secret to a velvety, emulsified sauce that won't break or become greasy.
- 5Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or shrimp stock, plus an extra teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.
- 6Control the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your personal spice preference. You can omit them for a mild version.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Creole Scampi
After the butter has melted in step 6, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
Add SausageAdd Sausage
For a heartier dish, add 4-6 ounces of sliced andouille sausage to the pan with the Holy Trinity and cook until browned.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano along with the garlic for another layer of flavor.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Feel free to add sliced mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach at the end of cooking until wilted.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Selenium
This dish is a great source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant mineral that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Contains Key Vitamins
The 'Holy Trinity' of onion, celery, and bell pepper, along with garlic, provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C and B6, which are important for immune health and metabolism.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of the shrimp and sauce (without pasta or rice) contains approximately 400-425 calories, primarily from the butter and olive oil.