Shrimp Basilico
A flavorful shrimp dish infused with fresh basil and creamy Chardonnay sauce, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a rich, aromatic meal that pairs beautifully with pasta or bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add peeled and deveined large shrimp, then add minced garlic; sauté for 10 seconds.
- Add minced fresh basil and Chardonnay; cook until almost all the wine has evaporated.
- Add heavy cream and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Turn the heat to very low.
- Add cold butter, cut into pieces.
- Cook until the butter melts, ensuring the sauce does not boil.
- Season with salt and ground pepper to taste.
- Garnish with basil leaves and serve with pasta or bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using garlic-infused olive oil. If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount by half. You can substitute the Chardonnay with a dry white wine if preferred. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or swap shrimp for scallops to create a variation similar to Scallop Linguini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or toss it with your favorite pasta for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. For a delightful combination, consider serving it alongside Linguini With White Clam Sauce And Broccoli or Checca With Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of cream or wine to loosen it up before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Basilico contains roughly 2231 calories, with 31g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 214g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (236% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1451mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear and prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch can work as substitutes for heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To prevent curdling, ensure that the heat is set to low when adding the cold butter. Avoid boiling the sauce after incorporating the cream and lemon juice. Stir continuously and remove from heat once the butter has melted to maintain a smooth consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).