Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic dish that brings a creamy, cheesy flavor to the table! This comforting meal pairs succulent shrimp with garlic, butter, and a generous helping of cheese, creating a rich and indulgent experience. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is simple to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese related recipes next!
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- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite. This variation of Shrimp Scampi takes the traditional flavors you love and adds a creamy, cheesy twist that makes every bite indulgent and satisfying!
- Quick and Easy to Make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, allowing you to serve a gourmet meal without the fuss.
- Customizable. Feel free to switch up the cheese, herbs, or pasta type to suit your family’s tastes!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the main star of this dish.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, which will create a rich sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for a robust flavor.
- White Wine: Dry white wine adds depth and a slight acidity to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Heavy Cream: For a luscious and creamy sauce.
- Pasta: Long pasta such as linguine or spaghetti.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley to garnish and add brightness.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- Choose Quality Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Wine Selection: Use a good-quality dry white wine; it can elevate the dish significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp; they only need a few minutes to cook through.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prep the ingredients beforehand; minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated cheese can be prepared a day ahead.
- Cook the pasta in advance and toss it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- It is not recommended to freeze shrimp scampi due to the texture of cooked shrimp changing once thawed.
- If you must freeze, store the sauce without shrimp and add fresh shrimp when reheating.
Reheating Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals if preferred, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just thaw them properly before use.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, you can substitute with additional broth or just skip the liquid altogether.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the pasta for gluten-free options such as rice or quinoa.
What cheese can I use?
Parmesan cheese is traditional, but feel free to add mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend for a richer flavor.
Try these recipes next!
Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese – A Cheesy Twist on a Classic Dish!
Shrimp Scampi with Extra Cheese takes a classic shrimp scampi and adds a cheesy twist with mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooey, flavorful dish that’s perfect over pasta or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
| 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined | |
| 4 tbsp unsalted butter | |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 1/2 cup dry white wine | |
| 1/4 cup lemon juice | |
| 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) | |
| 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | |
| 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese | |
| 8 oz linguine, cooked (optional) | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright flavor.
