Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there more times than I can count. The nightly dinner battle is real, and I feel your pain.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite solution: the Shrimp Scampi Frittata. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner hack. It takes all the amazing, garlicky flavor of a classic shrimp scampi and bakes it into a simple, no-fuss egg dish that’s surprisingly kid-approved.
Think of it as a super-charged, protein-packed omelet that you don’t have to flip. It comes together in one pan, uses simple ingredients, and has become my secret weapon for getting a delicious seafood dish on the table with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
- Category: Quick Dinner, Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I was skeptical the first time I served shrimp to my kids. But this dish works magic. The eggs mellow out the strong garlic butter sauce, creating a familiar and comforting base.
The shrimp get sweet and tender inside the frittata. For super picky kids, you can even chop the shrimp smaller so they blend right in. It’s a total win for introducing new flavors in a friendly way.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
This is all about simple, recognizable items. You probably have most of this in your kitchen right now!
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is my best trick for getting them to try new foods. This recipe has perfect, safe jobs for helpers.
My kids love cracking eggs into a big bowl. I just make sure to check for shells afterwards! They can also whisk the eggs with the milk and cheese until they’re nice and frothy. It makes them feel proud and more invested in dinner.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This is a straightforward, one-pan wonder that comes together fast.
Shrimp Scampi Frittata Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi Frittata Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set this aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set them on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Pour the whisked egg mixture into the skillet with the garlic butter. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until the edges start to set.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top of the setting eggs. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven, about 6 inches from the broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Remove from the oven (remember the handle is hot!). Let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if you like, slice, and serve.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different tastes. Here are a few easy ways to make this dish work for everyone at your table.
For sensitive kids, you can serve a little extra garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping. Try adding a handful of baby spinach to the eggs for a hidden veggie boost. For the adults, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Crumbled cooked bacon mixed in is always a crowd-pleaser, too! If you love the bright flavor of lemon, you might enjoy this zesty lemon-herb shrimp scampi for another quick dinner option.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This frittata is a lifesaver for leftovers! Let it cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 45-60 seconds. You can also reheat it in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the texture nice. It makes the best quick lunch or second-night dinner.
Nutrition Notes
- High in Protein: Thanks to the eggs and shrimp, this meal keeps everyone full and energized.
- Good Fats: The butter and olive oil provide healthy fats for growing brains.
- Low Carb: This is a naturally low-carb dish, perfect if you’re watching intake.
- Customizable: You can easily add veggies like diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra fiber and vitamins.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. I run them under cold water in a colander and pat them very dry with paper towels. This helps them cook properly and get a nice sear.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! Just cook the eggs on the stovetop until the bottom is set. Then, place a large lid over the skillet to trap steam and cook the top through. It might take a few extra minutes, but it works great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can. Follow the steps up to broiling, then let the skillet cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When ready, just pop it under the broiler to finish cooking and warm through. It’s a fantastic meal prep trick.
So there you have it—our family’s new go-to for a stress-free, delicious, and surprisingly kid-friendly dinner. It combines the best of easy shrimp recipes and quick dinner solutions into one amazing pan. If you’re looking for another fantastic one-pan meal, you have to try this creamy shrimp scampi orzo.
I really hope this Shrimp Scampi Frittata brings a little peace and a lot of flavor to your dinner table. It’s a dish that proves you can enjoy those gorgeous garlic butter shrimp flavors without any of the weeknight drama.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters take a bite? Please leave a comment and rating below!
