Shrimp Scampi D'Amour
A rich and flavorful shrimp dish with creamy sauce, toasted almonds, and aromatic spices, perfect for a sophisticated dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter and gently fry the garlic, onion, and tomato until fragrant and liquid has reduced.
- Ensure the liquid is out of the pan before adding the heavy cream.
- Add heavy cream and simmer until the sauce reduces to a desired consistency.
- Stir in roasted slivered almonds, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Poach the shrimp in the sauce for approximately 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in Amaretto and serve over cooked linguine or angel hair pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic, onion, and tomato. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce may be thinner. To enhance the dish, try using fresh herbs like parsley or basil. For a nut-free option, omit the almonds or replace them with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with cooked linguine or angel hair pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to cling to the noodles. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Consider a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors, or browse more Italian recipes for additional pairing ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to help restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it may make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Scampi D'Amour contains roughly 275 calories, with 10g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1013mg per serving (44% 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 make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture which helps in achieving a nice sear.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you need a nut-free alternative, you can replace slivered almonds with toasted breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. For a similar texture, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, allow it to simmer longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.
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).