Welcome to your ultimate guide on making the delicious Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi! This classic Italian-American dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will help you create a mouth-watering shrimp scampi that everyone will love.
What is Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi?
Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish made with large shrimp sautéed in a rich sauce of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice. It’s traditionally served over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich and tangy sauce.
- Healthy Option: Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein.
- Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or with bread.
- Elegant Dish: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Return Shrimp to Skillet: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
- Add Parsley and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi
- Linguine: Traditional pasta that pairs perfectly with scampi sauce.
- Rice: A simple side that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a healthy side.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich scampi.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp make a big difference in flavor.
- Do Not Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.
- Proper Wine: Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best served hot and fresh.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with large mushrooms or zucchini slices.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or with a side of quinoa.
Storing Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Separate Components: Store shrimp and sauce separately from pasta or bread to prevent sogginess.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your stored shrimp scampi for best quality.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi: Best Practices
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or wine to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Avoid Overheating: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for shrimp scampi?
Large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined are best for shrimp scampi. They hold up well during cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used; just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, you can make shrimp scampi without wine. Substitute the wine with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor. You can also use a mix of chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for added tanginess.
How do you thicken the sauce for shrimp scampi?
To thicken the sauce for shrimp scampi, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to the sauce and cook until it reaches the desired thickness.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs well with linguine or any pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also goes great with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus and a fresh green salad.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi is a delightful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this delicious recipe and experimenting with different variations to suit your taste!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken
- Pioneer Woman Crockpot Ranch Chicken
- Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Noodles
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Dorito Casserole
Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Pioneer Woman Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish made with large shrimp sautéed in a rich sauce of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice. It’s traditionally served over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Return Shrimp to Skillet: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
- Add Parsley and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.
