Shrimp Scampi , fancy, complicated, too many calories…right? Not this one!
This is a delicious and very simple version of Shrimp Scampi (bonus, if you invite friends over for dinner and serve this, they will think you are fancy!)
I love this dish, because it is quick, easy and delicious, making it a perfect 30 minute weeknight meal.
Every year on my kids’ birthdays, I tell them I will make them anything they want, this year my son requested this crowd pleaser. My 5year old daughter on the other hand requested corndogs…I will not be posting about that meal! 😉
Here goes…
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1lb shrimp fresh or frozen (I use the little tiny shrimp because my kids like them best)
- 2Tbsp butter
- 1tsp kosher salt (really it’s a generous pinch)
- ½ tsp black pepper (3-4turns of peppermill)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (1TBsp fresh parsley – add at the end)
- 1 cup diced sweet onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 13 oz whole wheat pasta
Directions:
- Add pasta to salted boiling water.
- Melt butter in hot pan. Add onion and salt and pepper , sauté. Adding salt and pepper at this step enhances the flavor…I have no evidence of this…I can just feel it in my culinary gut.
- Add chicken broth and garlic. Simmer for about 5 minutes. When you start to smell all the flavors enhancing its time for the next step. (You will suddenly be able to smell the garlic in the air)
- Add shrimp, lemon juice and parsley. Allow to lightly simmer until ready to add pasta.
- When pasta is still a little under-cooked, remove from heat and drain. Reserving about 1 cup of starchy pasta water
- Add under-cooked pasta to the sauce and cook for an additional 5minutes or so until pasta is Al dente. – Cooking pasta a little in the sauce, helps infuse the pasta with extra yummy flavor and helps make the sauce thicker. Add reserved water as needed (you will probably need it).
- Serve with veggie side and Enjoy!!
Spring Squash and peppers is one of my favorite vegetable side dishes, it is made using yellow squash, onions and mini sweet bellpeppers. It’s a triple threat side-dish…simple, budget friendly and yum! The kids are not as fond of this as the Shrimp Scampi, but they will eat it without too much complaint (most of the time)
Spring Squash with Peppers
Ingredients
– 2-3Tbsp olive oil
– 1Large yellow squash (or 2 small), sliced
– ¼ cup onion diced (I eye ball this)
– 3-4 small sweet peppers chopped
– ½ tsp. course sea Salt (or pinch)
– ¼ tsp. fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
– 1tsp Herbs de Provence
Directions:
- Cut Squash in half, and then slice into 1/4in-ish slices. Chop sweet peppers. Dice onions
- Add olive oil to large skillet.
- Add onions and peppers, toss to coat in oil. Add Salt and pepper and Herbs de Provence.
- Cook over medium heat until squash is tender, but still Al’dente tossing every few minutes to keep from sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Hope you enjoy these recipes! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
