Introduction: Can a Simple Dish Taste Like a Coastal Getaway?
Ever wished you could bring the fresh, vibrant flavors of the North Carolina coast to your dinner table in under 30 minutes? The North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is your answer! This dish is a delightful mix of tender shrimp, savory mushrooms, crisp green peppers, and a buttery garlic sauce, all served over warm linguine with a sprinkle of Romano cheese. Curious about how to create a restaurant-quality seafood meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor? Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to make this contest-winning dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with coastal charm!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is a quick, flavorful meal that captures the essence of coastal cuisine with simple ingredients. It’s light yet satisfying, with a perfect balance of buttery richness and fresh veggies. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Time Requirement: About 25 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Super easy! If you can sauté and boil pasta, you’re all set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This dish is budget-friendly, uses fresh and pantry staples, and delivers big coastal flavors in a single skillet. It’s versatile (swap veggies or pasta to your liking), great for meal prep, and perfect for family dinners or date nights. Plus, it’s a contest winner, so you know it’s a crowd-pleaser!
With its vibrant colors and savory aroma, this sauté is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
To make a North Carolina Shrimp Sauté for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this coastal gem:
- Uncooked Linguine or Spaghetti (8 oz): A hearty base that soaks up the buttery sauce.
- Butter (4 tbsp, divided): Adds rich, savory flavor to the sauté.
- Sliced Fresh Mushrooms (½ lb): Brings earthy, meaty texture.
- Small Green Pepper (1, chopped): Adds crisp sweetness and color.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
- Pepper (¼ tsp): Provides a mild kick.
- Uncooked Shrimp (1 lb, 31-40 per pound, peeled and deveined): Sweet, tender seafood that’s the star of the dish.
- Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, savory depth.
- Grated Romano Cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty richness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Pasta: Swap linguine for fettuccine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta.
- Shrimp: Use scallops, crab, or firm white fish like cod for a seafood twist, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a lighter dish or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Mushrooms: Try cremini, shiitake, or skip for a different texture.
- Green Pepper: Use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor or jalapeño for heat.
- Romano Cheese: Swap with Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or skip for dairy-free.
- Add-Ons: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or a splash of white wine for extra flair.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The shrimp and cheese provide protein and calcium, while the mushrooms and green pepper add fiber and vitamins. The butter and garlic create a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together, making this a balanced, nutritious meal with coastal vibes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this North Carolina Shrimp Sauté step by step. It’s so quick and easy, you’ll be amazed at the results!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook 8 oz linguine or spaghetti according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes for al dente).
- Drain and keep warm by covering the pot or tossing with a drizzle of olive oil.
Tip: Cook the pasta while prepping the sauté to save time.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Add ½ lb sliced fresh mushrooms and 1 chopped small green pepper.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender.
- Stir in ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, then remove the veggies to a plate.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure the mushrooms brown instead of steam.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Tip: Shrimp cook fast—watch closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
Step 4: Combine and Heat
- Return the mushroom and green pepper mixture to the skillet with the shrimp.
- Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Tip: If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of broth or pasta water to keep it saucy.
Step 5: Serve
- Divide the warm linguine among 4 plates or a large serving platter.
- Spoon the shrimp and veggie mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup grated Romano cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Let everyone add their own cheese and parsley for a fun, customizable touch.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Sauté
Your North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is ready to bring coastal vibes to your table! Here’s how to make it look as delicious as it tastes:
- Serving: Twirl the linguine into nests on plates for a fancy look, then top with the shrimp and veggie mixture. Sprinkle cheese and parsley generously for a vibrant finish.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve in wide, shallow bowls to show off the colorful shrimp and veggies.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge for a pop of color and freshness.
- Use a fork to twirl the pasta for easy eating.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted asparagus. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon complements the seafood perfectly.
Pro Tip: For a dinner party, serve family-style on a large platter with extra cheese and parsley on the side for guests to add as they like.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is best fresh, but you can store leftovers or prep components ahead. Here’s how to keep it tasty:
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep pasta and shrimp mixture separate to avoid soggy noodles.
- Freezing:
- Freeze the shrimp and veggie mixture (without pasta) in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.
- Reheating:
- Reheat the shrimp mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water for 2-3 minutes.
- Reheat pasta in the microwave or by tossing in boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep the sauce ingredients (chop mushrooms, green pepper, and garlic) up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Peel and devein shrimp a day in advance; refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Grate Romano cheese ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Tip: Assemble just before serving to keep the pasta al dente and the shrimp tender.
Recipe Variations
The North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy Coastal Kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the garlic.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini with the mushrooms.
- Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for tofu or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth for added flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add ½ tsp lemon zest with the garlic for a brighter flavor.
- Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Experiment with what’s in your fridge to make it your own!
Conclusion: Bring the Coast to Your Table
The North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is a quick, flavorful meal that brings coastal charm to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. With tender shrimp, savory mushrooms, crisp green peppers, and a buttery garlic sauce, it’s a dish that feels special but is oh-so-easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or using up fresh seafood, this contest winner is sure to impress. Try it as is or add your own spin—maybe some spice or extra veggies? Share your creations with us! Grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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North Carolina Shrimp Saute
Description
Ever wished you could bring the fresh, vibrant flavors of the North Carolina coast to your dinner table in under 30 minutes? The North Carolina Shrimp Sauté is your answer! This dish is a delightful mix of tender shrimp, savory mushrooms, crisp green peppers, and a buttery garlic sauce, all served over warm linguine with a sprinkle of Romano cheese
Ingredients
To make a North Carolina Shrimp Sauté for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this coastal gem:
- Uncooked Linguine or Spaghetti (8 oz): A hearty base that soaks up the buttery sauce.
- Butter (4 tbsp, divided): Adds rich, savory flavor to the sauté.
- Sliced Fresh Mushrooms (½ lb): Brings earthy, meaty texture.
- Small Green Pepper (1, chopped): Adds crisp sweetness and color.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
- Pepper (¼ tsp): Provides a mild kick.
- Uncooked Shrimp (1 lb, 31-40 per pound, peeled and deveined): Sweet, tender seafood that’s the star of the dish.
- Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, savory depth.
- Grated Romano Cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty richness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Pasta: Swap linguine for fettuccine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta.
- Shrimp: Use scallops, crab, or firm white fish like cod for a seafood twist, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a lighter dish or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Mushrooms: Try cremini, shiitake, or skip for a different texture.
- Green Pepper: Use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor or jalapeño for heat.
- Romano Cheese: Swap with Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or skip for dairy-free.
- Add-Ons: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or a splash of white wine for extra flair.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The shrimp and cheese provide protein and calcium, while the mushrooms and green pepper add fiber and vitamins. The butter and garlic create a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together, making this a balanced, nutritious meal with coastal vibes.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook 8 oz linguine or spaghetti according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes for al dente).
- Drain and keep warm by covering the pot or tossing with a drizzle of olive oil.
Tip: Cook the pasta while prepping the sauté to save time.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Add ½ lb sliced fresh mushrooms and 1 chopped small green pepper.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender.
- Stir in ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, then remove the veggies to a plate.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure the mushrooms brown instead of steam.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Tip: Shrimp cook fast—watch closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
Step 4: Combine and Heat
- Return the mushroom and green pepper mixture to the skillet with the shrimp.
- Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Tip: If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of broth or pasta water to keep it saucy.
Step 5: Serve
- Divide the warm linguine among 4 plates or a large serving platter.
- Spoon the shrimp and veggie mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup grated Romano cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Let everyone add their own cheese and parsley for a fun, customizable touch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free linguine or spaghetti and ensure all other ingredients (like broth, if added) are gluten-free.
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap shrimp for tofu, extra mushrooms, or eggplant. Use vegan butter and skip the Romano or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
3. What are the health benefits of this sauté?
This dish offers protein from shrimp, fiber and vitamins from mushrooms and green peppers, and calcium from Romano cheese. Using moderate butter keeps it relatively light, making it a balanced, nutritious meal.
4. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then peel and devein. Pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
5. How do I keep the shrimp tender?
Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes total). Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely.
6. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Add pre-cooked shrimp with the mushroom mixture at the end and heat through for 1 minute to avoid overcooking.
7. How long does it take to make this sauté?
Prep takes about 10 minutes (chopping and prepping), and cooking takes 15 minutes, so you’re done in about 25 minutes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches. Cook pasta in a larger pot to accommodate the extra volume.