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Italian Sauteed Shrimp

This delicious Italian Sauteed Shrimp is made in one pan and just 5 ingredients! It’s a quick and easy shrimp recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or just because!

Sauteed shrimp in a black pan.


 

The first time I had Sautéed Shrimp was when I was newly married, and my husband and I were invited to our very good friends’ house for dinner.

I knew I was in for something tasty, since she is such an amazing cook. And she didn’t let me down. Naturally I was in the kitchen watching and making notes of every step. I have shared many of her recipes!

Recipe Ingredients

  • Shrimp – with or without shell and deveined
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic – fresh garlic cloves minced
  • Parsley – Italian parsley also known as flat leaf parsley
  • Salt – if needed

Because there are so few ingredients in the recipe it is always important to use the best ingredients possible. Fresh parsley, fresh garlic that you mince yourself and extra virgin olive oil.

Different types of shrimp

There are many different types of shrimp, 300 to be exact. When making this dish I will reach for pink shrimp which is the most common in stores. I prefer to use a jumbo or extra large shrimp for sauteeing.

In Italian shrimp are called gamberi, large being gamberoni and small gamberetti. And of course difference sizes are used for different recipes.

How to make Sauteed Shrimp

In a large skillet on medium heat add the olive oil and garlic, cook for approximately 30 seconds, then add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt and chopped parsley. If you wish you can also add a dash or two of red pepper flakes to the pan.

Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Stirring often. Serve immediately. Some like to add a splash of lemon juice also!

Sauteed shrimp in a black pan.

Is shrimp good for you?

Shrimp is definitely good for you, it is rich in copper, phosphorus, and calcium. It is also high in protein and low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat!

How to serve it

I like to serve my sauteed shrimp with a simple salad and fresh Italian bread, although you can also serve it with rice or even pasta if you wish. Remember that shrimp should not sit out longer than 2 hours, and 1 hour in a hot house.

Can you use frozen shrimp?

Peeled, frozen or fresh shrimp are all perfect for this seafood recipe. If you use frozen, place the shrimp in a colander and  rinse under cold water, this will thaw them enough for cooking.

How to store any leftover shrimp

Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheating the shrimp can be done in the oven or on the stove top.

Re-heat the shrimp in a 300F oven for about 12-15 minutes, in a pan add about a tablespoon of olive oil and heat on medium heat for about 30-60 seconds, stirring to heat through.

I usually use unpeeled deveined shrimp sometimes which is the most common way to serve it in Italy but if you prefer you can clean the shrimp completely before adding to the pan.

This Sauteed Shrimp recipe is definitely a dish you need to try and I hope you do. Buon appetito!

Shrimp on a spoon and in the pan.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes

sauteed shrimp with parsley in a black frying pan and a silver spoon

Italian Sautéed Shrimp

Rosemary Molloy
Italian Sautéed Shrimp,  shrimp or scampi, a fast and easy Italian recipe. The perfect  family supper dish or guests for dinner idea, delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 179 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 pound large or jumbo raw shrimp (with or without shell and deveined)
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2-3 pinches salt (if needed)
  • 1-2 dashes hot pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet on medium heat add the olive oil and garlic cook for approximately 30 seconds, then add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt and chopped parsley. If you wish you can also add a dash or two of red pepper flakes to the pan.
  • Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Stirring often. Over cooking the shrimp will make it rubbery. Serve immediately.  Enjoy!
  • Some like to add a splash of lemon juice also, you could serve it with sliced lemon on the side.

Notes

Peeled, frozen or fresh shrimp are all perfect for this seafood recipe. If you use frozen, place the shrimp in a colander and  rinse under cold water, this will thaw them enough for cooking.
Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheating the shrimp can be done in the oven or on the stove top.
Re-heat the shrimp in a 300F oven for about 12-15 minutes, in a pan add about a tablespoon of olive oil and heat on medium heat for about 30-60 seconds, stirring to heat through.
I usually use unpeeled deveined shrimp sometimes which is the most common way to serve it in Italy but if you prefer you can clean the shrimp completely before adding to the pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 885mg | Potassium: 132mg | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 14.9mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 2.9mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

Updated from April 2014.

4 Comments

  1. Now this is something I can get behind! We sometimes cook shrimp, usually lightly in garlic butter, not too much different to this 🙂

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