Description
This creamy gnocchi shrimp scampi is a luscious, comforting dish combining tender gnocchi with succulent, garlic-infused shrimp in a rich, buttery cream sauce. Perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner, it blends the savory flavors of garlic, lemon, and parmesan with a hint of spice for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal made easily at home.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 16 oz package gnocchi
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh minced parsley (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, usually boiling for 2-3 minutes until they float. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Then, stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the dish is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken further. Serve garnished with fresh minced parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi; adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
- For spicier flavor, increase crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder taste or to make it pescatarian.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid toughness; they cook quickly and should be removed once pink.
- Gnocchi can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but is optional based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
