Simply Elegant Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

A quick, flavorful shrimp dish featuring a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and a tangy Italian dressing, perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 lb. peeled and cleaned shrimp
  • 3/4 c. chicken or seafood broth
  • 3/4 c. Italian salad dressing
  • 1/2 tsp. basil
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until transparent.
  3. Stir in chicken or seafood broth, Italian salad dressing, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil; add shrimp and cook until pink.
  5. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Serve with cooked rice or fettucine.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken or seafood broth instead of store-bought. If you're out of basil or oregano, Italian seasoning can work as a substitute. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly. This dish is versatile; feel free to experiment with other seafood or add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this elegant shrimp dish over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or fettuccine for a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon. This dish complements Mediterranean recipes well, making it great for dinner parties or family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery. You can also freeze the cooked shrimp for up to two months, but the texture may change upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Simply Elegant Shrimp contains roughly 479 calories, with 32g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (209% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

479 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 32.4g 65% DV
Total Fat 11.4g 15% DV
Carbs 78.2g 28% DV
Fiber 24.7g 88% DV
Sugar 4.2g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 713mg 31% DV
Potassium 4198.5mg 89% DV
Cholesterol 1.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1137mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 146.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 716.2mg 55% DV
Iron 37.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Shellfish

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, frozen shrimp can be used; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents a watery dish. To thaw, place shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water for about 15 minutes.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of white wine to the broth mixture before adding the shrimp. Additionally, incorporating fresh herbs like dill or thyme can add depth. Consider using garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor, too.

What can I serve with Simply Elegant Shrimp?

This dish pairs beautifully with sides like steamed asparagus, garlic bread, or a light pasta salad. For a complete meal, you might also consider serving it alongside Avgolemono Soup (Egg-Lemon Soup) as a starter, which complements the shrimp nicely.

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).

Mediterranean recipes → Chicken recipes → Seafood recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →