Christmas Shrimp Scampi

Byjfletcher December 9, 2016December 3, 2024

Christmas shrimp scampi is a festive spin on shrimp scampi. Growing up in an Italian, we almost always served a similar version to this recipe on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus in a single serving bowl with a fork on the side along with parsley. — Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus

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When I was a kid, we’d pile in the car on Christmas Eve night, go to church early, come home and my mother would whip up a buttery batch of scampi for dinner.

It was one of the only things my mom could cook well. (The Italian cooking gene must skip generations.)

I’ve modified the dish to make it more of a Christmas shrimp scampi.

Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies

Serving of Christmas shrimp scampi with spoon and parsley on the sides of the bowl. — Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus

Here’s what you need and substitutions you can make to Christmas shrimp scampi:

Shrimp – We use precleaned shrimp, but you can use whatever kind you prefer. If you use larger or smaller shrimp, you may need to adjust cooking times. You will want to clean, shell, and devein shrimp if you use non-cleaned varieties.
Asparagus – This adds the festive green color, but if you don’t want your pee to smell funny, you can sub in green peppers instead.
Red Peppers – This adds a festive red color to the Christmas shrimp scampi. You can omit this if you prefer.
White Wine – You could use sherry, but we generally recommend a drier wine for cooking. In a pinch, just about any white will work, but if you use a sweeter variety, it will taste a bit sweeter when making the scampi.
Butter – Butter gives the scampi a rich flavor and helps to form the sauce.
Garlic – You really can’t have scampi without garlic. Feel free to add as much as you like, even less if you must.
Lemon – You will need the juice of one lemon to add a bit of freshness to the shrimp scampi.
Salt and Pepper – Add these to taste or omit altogether.
Parmesan Cheese – For best flavor, grate your own, but you can also use pre-grated varieties if you prefer.
Fresh Parsley – This adds some garnish to the scampi. It also adds a festive green color.
Pasta – We often use spaghetti, but you can use linguine, fettucine, or angel hair varieties.

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make Christmas shrimp scampi, but you may find these tools helpful:

How to Make Christmas Shrimp Scampi

serving bowl of Christmas shrimp scampi with lemons, spoons, and parsley on sides. Bowl waits for serving to be given. — Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus

1. Cook the pasta and veggies.

Start a large stock pot boiling and cook your pasta according to the package directions.

This is normally about 8 to 12 minutes depending on variety.

As the pot is getting hot, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.

Next, add in the asparagus and crushed or minced garlic cloves.

You can season these with salt and peper if you like.

Cook the asparagus for about 2 to 3 minutes and then add in the red peppers.

Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occassionally.

If you like better done veggies, you can extend the cook times for a bit.

2. Cook the shrimp.

Toss the shrimp into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Cook for about 90 seconds and then add wine and lemon juice.

Bring skillet to a simmer and then let simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.

The shrimp is done when it is pink on both sides.

3. Bring it together.

To finish, you can either place the pasta on a plate and then pour the shrimp scampi over top or mix the pasta into the skillet.

In either case, turn the heat off of the skillet before mixing in the pasta.

Finally, toss it all with Parmesan cheese.

You can garnish the serving bowl or each plate with parsley.

Serving and Storing

Christmas shrimp scampi is best served fresh and hot from the stove.

If you want to make it ahead, you should not combine it with the pasta.

Instead, reheat the scampi in a skillet and prepare a fresh batch of pasta to toss with the scampi.

To store, place cooled shrimp scampi into an air tight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It is best to reheat in a skillet over low to medium low heat and serve with fresh pasta.

Tips and Tricks

serving bowl of Christmas shrimp scampi with lemons, spoons, and parsley on sides. Single serving of scampi in bowl in the foreground. — Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus

If you prefer, you can use jasmine or other types of long grain rice instead of pasta. Prepare your rice according to the package instructions.
Sub in sherry for a slightly different flavor.
Other green veggies that can act as substitutes for asparagus include peas and green peppers.
Don’t over cook the shrimp! Once it is pink and opague all the way through, it is done. Cooking it too long will cause it to shrink and shrivel. If you are not sure it is done, stick a thermometer into the thickest section and check the temp. It should read 145°F.

Other Festive Recipes to Try

Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus in two seving bowls with a glass of white wine, lemons, and parsley on the sides. — Christmas Shrimp Scampi with Red Peppers and Asparagus

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