Shrimp Elegante
Shrimp Elegante offers a rich blend of buttery, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors with a touch of white wine, making it perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions. The succulent shrimp paired with flavorful pasta create a satisfying dish that impresses with its sophisticated taste and aromatic profile.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. large shrimp (unpeeled) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 3/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Sauterne or other dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/3 c. Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. chicken flavored bouillon granules ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. fettuccine ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on, then devein and butterfly.
- Place the shrimp in salted boiling water and cook for 30 seconds.
- Drain the shrimp and place them in a shallow broiling pan.
- In a skillet, melt butter and combine with olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and crushed garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped parsley, dried oregano, white wine, Italian salad dressing, water, and chicken bouillon granules.
- Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce and shrimp.
- Season with freshly ground pepper and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using shrimp stock instead of water in the sauce. If you can't find Sauterne, any dry white wine will work well. You can also substitute the fettuccine with linguine or spaghetti for a different texture. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp Elegante with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the wine notes in the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with Italian recipes like Rissotto With Porcini Mushrooms or a light vegetable medley.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Shrimp Elegante can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp and affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Elegante contains roughly 1787 calories, with 47g protein, 290g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (551% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw them completely before starting. A quick soak in cold water can speed up the thawing process. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly in the sauce.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley isn't available, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. While it won't have the same vibrant flavor, it will still add a hint of herby taste to the dish. Alternatively, cilantro can be used for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to Shrimp Elegante, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper during the cooking process for an extra kick.
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).