Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “what’s that green thing?” I feel you. The nightly dinner debate is real in my house, too.
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 hero. It takes everything we love about a classic garlic butter shrimp scampi and bakes it into a cozy, sliceable egg dish that’s surprisingly kid-approved.
Think of it as a giant, fluffy pancake filled with tasty shrimp and cheesy goodness. It’s a complete meal in one pan, ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dig into this lifesaver.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
- Category: Quick Dinner, Brunch
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I was shocked the first time my veggie-skeptical kid asked for seconds. Here’s the magic. The eggs mellow out the strong garlic flavor, making it gentle and inviting.
The shrimp get sweet and tender inside the fluffy eggs. Plus, everything is baked together, so there are no “scary” separate components on the plate. It’s just one friendly, golden slice.
For kids who are texture-sensitive, it’s all soft and uniform. And let’s be real, anything with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese has a serious head start in the kid-appeal department.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep this simple. You probably have most of this already. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen/thawed)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for the grown-ups!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for the pan
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is my best trick for making them excited to eat. This recipe is perfect for that.
Crack and Whisk: Let your child crack the eggs into a large bowl. Supervise closely for shells! Then, hand them a whisk and let them go to town. It’s a great job for building confidence.
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
Cheese Patrol: Measuring and sprinkling the cheeses is a foolproof task. Who doesn’t love handling cheese? It makes them feel like a key part of the team.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the word “frittata” scare you. It’s easier than scrambled eggs. I make sure every step is simple and stress-free.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Get a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) ready.
- In a big bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper until smooth. Set this aside.
- Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove them to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Pour in the white wine or broth and lemon juice. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and reduce slightly. This creates that bright, signature lemon-herb scampi flavor we’re building on.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour your whisked egg mixture into the skillet. Gently stir for a minute, just until the eggs start to set at the edges.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the eggs. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven, about 6 inches under the broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely! It’s done when the top is puffed, golden, and the center is just set.
- Carefully remove (the handle will be HOT!). Let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley if using, slice, and serve!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
One pan, endless possibilities. Here’s how I tweak it for my crew.
For the Sensitive Palate: Serve a little extra sauce (made from butter, garlic, and broth) on the side. Kids can dip their slice if they want, or skip it entirely.
Veggie Boost: Stir a handful of fresh spinach into the eggs right before adding the shrimp. It wilts down and “disappears.” You can also add diced, pre-cooked bell peppers.
For the Adults: After plating, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your slice. Or, crumble some cooked bacon over the top before broiling for a smoky twist.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. We often have leftovers for lunch.
Let the frittata cool completely. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also wrap slices individually and freeze them for a quick future dinner.
To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. For a crisper edge, pop it in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition Notes
- High in Protein: Eggs and shrimp team up to keep everyone full and energized.
- Good Fats: Healthy fats from the eggs and butter help with nutrient absorption.
- Low Carb: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it a great gluten-free option.
- Calcium & Vitamin D: Thanks to all that cheese and the eggs!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! It’s what I use most often. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat it very dry before cooking so it sears nicely.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! After cooking the shrimp and sauce in your regular pan, pour everything into a greased pie dish or 8×8 baking dish. Then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until set, instead of broiling.
My kids don’t like “chunks.” Can I chop the shrimp?
Yes, this is a brilliant trick. Simply chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces before adding them back to the eggs. They’ll distribute evenly and be less noticeable for super-picky eaters.
So there you have it—my secret weapon for a quiet, happy dinner table. This frittata has saved my sanity on more busy nights than I can count. It feels special but is so easy to pull together. If you love the creamy, comforting essence of shrimp scampi, you might also adore our one-pot shrimp scampi orzo for another easy dinner win.
I truly hope it becomes a beloved staple in your home, too. Give it a try this week and watch those plates get cleaned. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
