Gourmet Shrimp Scampi Pizza Delight
Indulge in the perfect fusion of flavors with our Gourmet Shrimp Scampi Pizza Delight. Inspired by the beloved California Pizza Kitchen, this dish elevates traditional shrimp scampi to a new level, combining succulent shrimp, roasted garlic, and a rich butter sauce atop a crispy pizza crust. The addition of shallots, fresh herbs, and a hint of Chardonnay creates an exquisite balance that will impress your family and friends. Best enjoyed fresh from the oven, this pizza is not only a visual feast but also brings a delightful aroma that makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Prepare your favorite sturdy pizza dough to ensure it holds up to the buttery goodness of this seafood favorite!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
5 (tablespoons)
shallot
0.25 (cup, minced)
garlic
2 (tablespoons, minced)
dried thyme
0.5 (teaspoon)
salt
0.25 (teaspoon)
white pepper
1 (pinch)
Chardonnay wine
0.33 (cup)
lemon juice
1 (tablespoon)
chicken base or bouillon cube
1 (teaspoon)
coarsely chopped garlic
0.33 (cup)
olive oil
0.5 (teaspoon)
pizza dough
1 (recipe, sturdy)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 (cups)
white onion
0.25 (sliced into 1/8 inch rings)
medium shrimp
12 (peeled, deveined, and cut in half lengthwise)
oregano
2 (teaspoons)
Italian parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Garlic Shallot Butter: In a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced shallot, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Cook while stirring, allowing the mixture to reduce to about 1/2 cup. As it nears the end of the reduction, lower the heat and stir frequently. Once reduced, remove from heat and whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until fully incorporated.
2
Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Coat the coarsely chopped garlic with olive oil and spread it evenly on a glass casserole dish or sheet pan. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the garlic begin to brown. Remove the garlic and use a spatula to redistribute it in a single layer for even roasting. Return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until uniformly golden brown. Set aside when done.
3
Assemble the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare your pizza dough according to your preferred method. Using a large spoon, spread the garlic shallot butter over the surface of the crust, reserving a small rim around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the butter sauce.
4
Distribute the sliced white onions and roasted garlic evenly over the cheese layer. Place the shrimp, cut side up, evenly across the toppings, ensuring they are well distributed.
5
Bake the Pizza: Transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust is crispy, golden, and the cheese is bubbly in the center. The shrimp should appear opaque and cooked through.
6
Finishing Touches: Once your pizza is perfectly baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the pizza with dried oregano and chopped Italian parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish. Let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Shrimp Scampi Pizza Delight?
It is a gourmet fusion dish that combines succulent shrimp, roasted garlic, and a rich butter sauce atop a crispy pizza crust, inspired by California Pizza Kitchen flavors.
What inspired this shrimp scampi pizza recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved California Pizza Kitchen, aiming to elevate traditional shrimp scampi into a high-quality pizza experience.
How do I prepare the garlic shallot butter for the pizza?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, sauté minced shallot, garlic, and thyme until reduced to 1/2 cup, then whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
At what temperature should the garlic be roasted?
The garlic should be roasted at a preheated oven temperature of 325°F (163°C).
How long does it take to roast the garlic for this recipe?
Roast the garlic for an initial 25-30 minutes, then redistribute and roast for an additional 15 minutes until uniformly golden brown.
What is the recommended baking temperature for the pizza?
The pizza should be baked in an oven preheated to 425°F (218°C).
What kind of pizza dough should I use?
A sturdy pizza dough is recommended to ensure it can hold up to the weight of the buttery sauce and seafood toppings.
How should the shrimp be prepared before adding them to the pizza?
The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and cut in half lengthwise before being placed cut side up on the pizza.
What are the main ingredients in the butter sauce?
The sauce consists of butter, minced shallots, minced garlic, dried thyme, Chardonnay wine, lemon juice, and chicken base.
Which cheese is used in this gourmet pizza recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to be spread evenly over the garlic shallot butter.
In what order should the toppings be assembled?
Spread the butter sauce first, followed by mozzarella cheese, then sliced white onions, roasted garlic, and finally the shrimp.
How long does the pizza need to bake?
The pizza typically bakes for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
How can I tell when the shrimp on the pizza are cooked?
The shrimp are cooked when they appear opaque and are cooked through after the 15-minute baking period.
What herbs are used as finishing touches?
After baking, the pizza is sprinkled with dried oregano and freshly chopped Italian parsley.
What type of wine is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of Chardonnay wine to create an exquisite flavor balance in the sauce.
What purpose does the shallot serve in the recipe?
Minced shallots provide a delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor that complements the garlic and butter in the scampi sauce.
How should the white onion be sliced?
The white onion should be sliced into thin 1/8 inch rings for even distribution and cooking.
What is the role of the chicken base in the sauce?
The chicken base or bouillon cube adds a savory depth and enhances the overall richness of the garlic shallot butter sauce.
Should the roasted garlic be chopped before roasting?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of coarsely chopped garlic for the roasting process.
How do I ensure the pizza crust is crispy?
Baking the pizza at a high temperature of 425°F and using a sturdy dough helps achieve a crispy, golden crust.
What seasonings are used in the butter reduction?
The butter reduction is seasoned with dried thyme, salt, and a pinch of white pepper.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried thyme, but fresh can be substituted if you adjust the quantity to taste.
What should I do if the garlic browns unevenly while roasting?
Use a spatula to redistribute the garlic in a single layer on the pan halfway through the roasting process.
How many shrimp are needed for one pizza?
The recipe specifies 12 medium shrimp, which are then halved to provide 24 pieces for even coverage.
Does this pizza contain lemon?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in the sauce to provide a hint of acidity and brightness.
What kind of oil is used for the roasted garlic?
A small amount of olive oil (1/2 teaspoon) is used to coat the chopped garlic before roasting.
When should the Italian parsley be added?
Fresh chopped Italian parsley should be added as a finishing touch immediately after the pizza is removed from the oven.
Is this pizza intended to be served hot or cold?
This pizza is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the oven to maintain its crispy texture and aromatic profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed for 1 serving, typically resulting in one large gourmet pizza.
What makes the shrimp scampi sauce special?
The combination of a Chardonnay reduction, roasted garlic, and a whisked butter finish creates a restaurant-quality scampi flavor.