Kamil Perry
Shrimp scampi is a delicious and savory pasta dish that is simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish is an Americanized Italian dish, traditionally made with a buttery garlic sauce, sometimes with a splash of lemon juice or white wine, and served over pasta. Some people like to add cheese to their shrimp scampi, and the most commonly recommended cheese for this dish is Parmesan, although some people prefer Asiago.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Pasta |
| Main ingredients | Shrimp, pasta, garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine |
| Cheese | Parmesan, Asiago, Italian cheese blend, cream cheese |
| Other ingredients | Parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, onion powder, dill, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, tomato, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash, spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus |
| Cooking time | 15 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese is a popular choice
While some people prefer shrimp scampi without cheese, Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for those who like their shrimp scampi cheesy. Parmesan adds a deliciously savory depth to the garlic white wine sauce. For the best flavor, look for Parmigiano Reggiano.
Some recipes suggest adding grated Parmesan cheese at the end, sprinkling it on top of the dish before serving. This is optional but adds another layer of flavor. The cheese is added to the shrimp scampi after the cooked pasta has been tossed in the sauce. The dish can be garnished with fresh herbs and served with a side of cooked pasta or roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Parmesan cheese is also used in shrimp scampi mac and cheese recipes, where it is melted into the sauce. In these recipes, the cheese is added after the shrimp and lemon zest have been cooked and stirred into the sauce. The sauce is then combined with the pasta and shrimp mixture.
Overall, Parmesan cheese is a versatile and popular choice for shrimp scampi, adding a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
Amul Cheese Spread: Creative Ways to Use It
You may want to see also
Asiago cheese is also an option
While some people prefer shrimp scampi without cheese, others believe that adding cheese enhances the flavour of the dish. The type of cheese used can vary depending on personal preference. Some recipes call for Parmesan cheese, while others suggest using a blend of Italian cheeses.
If you're looking for a cheese with a strong flavour to complement the buttery garlic notes of the shrimp scampi, Asiago cheese is also an option. Asiago is an Italian cheese with a sharp, nutty flavour that can add a distinct taste to the dish. Its firm texture makes it ideal for grating over pasta dishes like shrimp scampi.
When choosing Asiago cheese for shrimp scampi, look for a block of cheese labelled "Asiago d'Allevo." This variety has a more intense flavour and a harder texture compared to the softer and milder "Asiago Pressato." Grate the Asiago cheese finely so that it melts easily into the sauce or sprinkles evenly over the pasta.
To incorporate Asiago cheese into your shrimp scampi, prepare the dish as you normally would. Follow the traditional steps of sautéing garlic and shrimp in butter, adding spices and lemon juice, and combining everything with cooked pasta. Just before serving, sprinkle the grated Asiago cheese over the pasta and toss gently to distribute it evenly.
Using Asiago cheese in shrimp scampi adds a unique flavour profile to the dish. Its sharpness can complement the buttery and garlicky notes, creating a well-rounded taste. However, feel free to experiment with different cheeses and find the one that suits your palate. After all, the beauty of cooking is in the personal touches and adaptations that make each dish your own.
Filoche Cheese: Best Uses and Recipes
You may want to see also
Cheddar and mozzarella are not recommended
While there is no single, definitive way to make shrimp scampi, and some people may prefer to use cheddar or mozzarella cheese, these two types of cheese are generally not recommended for this dish.
Shrimp scampi is a savoury and cheesy dish that is light and does not feel heavy. It is an American dish with Italian origins. The dish traditionally includes a buttery garlic sauce, sometimes with a splash of lemon juice or olive oil, mixed with shrimp and served over pasta. The addition of cheese is a modern twist, and while some people may enjoy the sharpness of cheddar or the creaminess of mozzarella, these cheeses may overwhelm the other flavours in the dish.
Cheddar cheese, for example, is a strong-flavoured cheese that can be sharp and salty. While it may add a nice kick to certain dishes, it can also be quite overpowering. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a mild and creamy cheese. It is known for its stringy, stretchy texture when melted. However, when combined with the other ingredients in shrimp scampi, mozzarella can make the dish too rich and heavy.
Instead of using cheddar or mozzarella, it is recommended to use cheeses that complement the flavours of the shrimp and garlic without being too assertive. Some suggested cheeses include Parmesan, which adds a savoury depth to the dish, and Asiago, which is a strong cheese that can stand up to the other flavours in the scampi. These cheeses add flavour without being overwhelming, resulting in a more balanced and elegant dish.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference, and there is no "wrong" way to make shrimp scampi. However, for those looking to create a more traditional or subtle flavour profile, it is best to avoid cheddar and mozzarella and opt for something a little more delicate.
Easy Nacho Cheese with Cheese Slices
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cream cheese can be used for a creamier sauce
While shrimp scampi is often made without cheese, some recipes do include it. Parmesan is a popular choice, as are Asiago and Italian cheese blends.
If you're looking for a creamier sauce, you can use cream cheese. This is a key ingredient in shrimp scampi mac and cheese, where it is combined with an Italian cheese blend to create a smooth, creamy sauce. To make this, melt butter in a skillet and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Pour in some wine and cook until the sauce turns a nice golden colour. Add the shrimp and lemon zest and cook until the shrimp are pink. In a separate saucepan, heat some half-and-half until it simmers and reduces, then add the cream cheese and Italian cheese blend. Once the cheeses have melted, combine the sauce with the shrimp and pasta.
You can also add cream to a shrimp scampi recipe for a richer, creamier sauce. In this case, you would sauté garlic in butter and olive oil, then add white wine, lemon zest and juice, and grated Parmesan. Finally, add the cream and stir it into the sauce before cooking the shrimp.
Of course, you can always add cream cheese to any shrimp scampi recipe to make the sauce creamier. Simply substitute some or all of the butter with cream cheese and add it to the skillet at the beginning of the recipe.
Cheddar Cheese: The Ultimate Sandwich Upgrade
You may want to see also
Italian cheese blends are versatile
Shrimp scampi is a savoury and flavourful dish that is simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is an Americanized Italian dish, traditionally made using a buttery garlic sauce, sometimes with a splash of lemon juice and olive oil. The sauce is then mixed with shrimp and served over pasta.
While some people prefer shrimp scampi without cheese, others like to add some grated cheese to the dish. Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, adding a deliciously savoury depth to the garlic white wine sauce. Asiago cheese is another option that pairs well with the butter and garlic in the dish.
The versatility of Italian cheese blends allows for a range of flavours and textures to be achieved in shrimp scampi, from a smooth and creamy sauce to a stronger, more pungent flavour profile. Whether you prefer your shrimp scampi with or without cheese, the addition of an Italian cheese blend can elevate the dish and create a heartier, more indulgent meal.
Crunch Wrap Cheese: Taco Bell's Secret Sauce
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for shrimp scampi. Some recipes also suggest using an Italian cheese blend, or Asiago.
No, shrimp scampi is an American dish. Scampi is a crustacean similar to shrimp, and when the dish was brought to America, shrimp was used instead.
Angel hair pasta is a popular choice, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Spaghetti squash, zoodles, or cauliflower rice are also good low-carb alternatives.
Besides the shrimp and grated cheese, you will need butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine. Some recipes also include red pepper flakes, basil, parsley, and onion powder.
