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Vibrant New Years Drinks Dinner Bowl with Shrimp Scampi

shrimp scampi dinner bowl - featured image

A festive and flavorful shrimp scampi dinner bowl featuring garlicky, buttery shrimp with lemon, fresh veggies, and your choice of pasta or rice. Perfect for celebrations and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces linguine, spaghetti, or jasmine rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). If using rice, prepare as per package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Swirl the pan gently until the butter melts into a glossy sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly and spinach wilts.
  7. Add the cooked pasta or rice to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and give one last gentle toss.
  9. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to avoid steaming and rubbery texture. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh lemon juice is essential for bright flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread and use broth instead of wine if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, dinner bowl, New Years recipe, party food, seafood, garlic butter shrimp, easy dinner, festive meal