Imagine diving into a plate of succulent shrimp swimming in a buttery, garlicky white wine sauce, nestled alongside vibrant wilted spinach that practically melts in your mouth. This isn't just another seafood recipe - this is a culinary escape to the Italian coastline that you can create right in your own kitchen! Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or looking to impress your foodie friends, this Shrimp Scampi with Wilted Spinach will transform your weeknight cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 3 cups of fresh spinach, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of white wine, 1/4 cup of butter, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to become bubbly but not browned, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can give a bitter taste to the dish.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Then, flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Once the shrimp are fully cooked, pour in the white wine. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
- After the wine has reduced slightly, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the spinach is wilted, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the shrimp scampi hot, either on its own or over a bed of pasta or rice if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be pink and just opaque to remain tender.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor and avoid pre-minced versions.
- Make sure your butter is melted but not browned to maintain a delicate sauce.
- Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best taste.
- Add lemon juice at the very end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 145mg
