The bold flavors of Southern Italy come alive in this quick and comforting dish featuring plump shrimp seared to perfection, nestled in a silky, spicy base of creamy white cannellini beans. Calabrian chili paste infuses the dish with just the right amount of heat, while garlic and lemon add brightness and depth.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a luxurious weeknight meal, this dish delivers elegance without the effort. Pair it with crusty bread to scoop up every drop of that chili garlic oil, or serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier option. It’s a true celebration of spice, seafood, and simplicity.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
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1 (15-ounce) can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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½ cup chicken broth
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
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Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the beans and chicken broth, then simmer for 5–6 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.
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Use a fork to gently mash some of the beans to create a creamy texture in the sauce.
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Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and just cooked through.
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Transfer the shrimp to the skillet with the beans and stir to combine.
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Add the butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring until the butter melts into the sauce.
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Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Bold Fusion of Southern Italian Flavor and Coastal Comfort
The culinary heart of Southern Italy beats loud and proud in this Spicy Calabrian Shrimp with White Beans dish. Famed for its sun-drenched landscapes, coastal bounty, and fiery chili peppers, Calabria offers a unique regional flavor that’s rustic, vibrant, and unmistakably bold. When that fiery flavor is combined with creamy white beans and the briny sweetness of shrimp, the result is a soul-satisfying dish that feels both elevated and deeply comforting. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply love dishes that pack a flavorful punch, this recipe is a celebration of taste and simplicity.
Understanding Calabrian Chili and Its Flavor Profile
At the center of this dish’s personality is Calabrian chili paste, a versatile and increasingly popular ingredient in modern kitchens. Made from sun-dried Calabrian peppers, olive oil, and sometimes a hint of vinegar or garlic, this chili paste brings a deep, smoky heat that lingers on the palate without overwhelming it.
Unlike other chili pastes that lean toward acidity or extreme heat, Calabrian chili strikes a harmonious balance. It offers spice with complexity—think fruity undertones, a subtle tang, and robust depth. It’s the kind of flavor that wakes up the taste buds and instantly elevates whatever dish it touches. In this recipe, it acts as the fire that ignites the creamy base and enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
The Role of Cannellini Beans
White beans, particularly cannellini beans, are the unsung heroes of many Mediterranean dishes. Their mild flavor and naturally creamy texture make them perfect for absorbing bold flavors like garlic, chili, and lemon. In this dish, they serve as the counterbalance to the spicy, seared shrimp.
What makes them even more valuable is their nutritional content. Cannellini beans are high in fiber and plant-based protein, and they offer a creamy, rich mouthfeel without the need for dairy or heavy cream. When gently mashed during cooking, they thicken the sauce naturally, creating a luscious base that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
Why Shrimp Works So Well in Spicy Dishes
Shrimp is one of those ingredients that can wear many hats—delicate and subtle in a ceviche, bold and smoky on a grill. In this dish, it’s the perfect canvas for spice. The tender texture and mild sweetness of shrimp allow the fiery Calabrian chili and garlic-infused oil to shine without overpowering the seafood.
Searing the shrimp adds another layer of flavor through caramelization, giving it a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy beans. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, making this an ideal weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on gourmet taste.
A Dish That Balances Texture and Taste
One of the standout features of this recipe is its beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. You get the succulent bite of shrimp, the silky creaminess of mashed white beans, the heat and brightness from the chili and lemon, and the herbaceous freshness of parsley to finish. Every bite feels like a small crescendo—starting with heat, deepening into creaminess, and finishing with citrusy zest and warmth.
The garlic oil (created at the beginning of the cooking process) layers in another level of flavor, infusing the entire dish with its aromatic richness without ever tasting burnt or sharp.
Nutritional Highlights and Dietary Flexibility
Despite being luxurious in flavor and texture, this dish is surprisingly healthy. It’s low in carbohydrates, high in lean protein, and packed with nutrients from both the shrimp and the beans. It’s naturally gluten-free, and with a simple substitution (like vegetable broth), it can easily be adapted for pescatarians or dairy-free diets.
Want to make it even more Mediterranean-diet friendly? Add leafy greens like spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for extra fiber, iron, and color. Or toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet, acidic pop that balances the chili’s heat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides depending on how hearty or light you want your meal to be. Some options include:
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Crusty rustic bread – for scooping up every bit of that chili-garlic bean sauce
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Lemon herb couscous or orzo – complements the lemony finish of the shrimp
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A simple arugula salad – adds a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich main
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Chilled white wine – think Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or a dry Riesling
If you’re hosting a dinner, serve this dish as a main course followed by a crisp, citrusy dessert like lemon sorbet or panna cotta with candied orange peel.
Cultural Inspiration and Modern Appeal
There’s something timeless about dishes that take humble, everyday ingredients—beans, garlic, shrimp—and elevate them into something special. This recipe draws from centuries-old traditions of Southern Italy, where cooking with what you have was a necessity, and flavor was always king.
At the same time, its modern presentation and bold spice make it feel right at home in trendy urban kitchens and on Instagram-worthy dinner tables. It’s a beautiful example of how food can bridge tradition and innovation, comfort and creativity.
Tips for Cooking Success
To ensure your dish turns out perfect every time, keep these quick tips in mind:
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Don’t overcook the shrimp – They only need a few minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery quickly.
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Use high-quality Calabrian chili paste – If you can’t find the paste, crushed Calabrian peppers in oil work just as well.
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Mash some beans, leave others whole – This creates a nice contrast in texture and thickens the sauce naturally.
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Finish with lemon juice and zest – This adds brightness and prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.
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Use a wide skillet – The more surface area, the better the shrimp will sear and caramelize.
How to Store and Reheat
This dish stores beautifully for up to 2 days in the fridge. To reheat, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is fine but may change the texture of the shrimp slightly.
Leftovers make a great filling for a grain bowl or a wrap, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Food Lovers and Flavor Seekers
Spicy Calabrian Shrimp with White Beans isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. It’s a journey to the southern coast of Italy without leaving your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests, satisfies cravings, and rewards the cook with bold flavor for relatively little effort. With its balanced combination of spice, creaminess, and fresh seafood, it speaks to both tradition and modern palates.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, your family, or just yourself, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Flavorful, flexible, and fast—this dish is proof that great meals don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be done right.