Shrimp scampi is a dish that perfectly balances the rich, indulgent flavors of butter with the bright, zesty notes of lemon and the delicate brininess of shrimp. Among seafood lovers, one of the most beloved versions is the Red Lobster shrimp scampi. Its buttery garlic sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp over tender pasta have made it a restaurant favorite for decades. The good news is that you don’t need a reservation or a fancy kitchen to enjoy this at home. With a few simple ingredients, basic kitchen equipment, and attention to technique, you can replicate the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi in your own kitchen.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly, in about 30 minutes, yet it tastes indulgent enough for special occasions. Shrimp scampi is also versatile—you can serve it over your favorite pasta, enjoy it with crusty bread, or pair it with a fresh side salad. The combination of garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice creates a sauce that is both luxurious and bright, complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat that balances the richness, making the dish satisfyingly complex yet approachable.

Cooking shrimp properly is essential to achieving the perfect texture. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, while undercooked shrimp are unsafe to eat. This recipe guides you step by step, from cooking the pasta to building the sauce, so that your shrimp scampi has the same buttery, garlicky richness you love from the restaurant version. The addition of lemon juice and zest adds freshness that brightens the dish, making it a classic crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

The following ingredients serve 4 people and are exactly as used in the original recipe:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• 1 large skillet
• 1 pot for boiling pasta
• 1 colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 pasta server or tongs

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by preparing the pasta, which forms the base for your shrimp scampi:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Cooking pasta ahead of the shrimp ensures that you can assemble the dish quickly while keeping the sauce warm and luscious.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

This method ensures that the shrimp cooks evenly while infusing it with the buttery, garlicky flavor that is characteristic of shrimp scampi.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add depth and flavor to your sauce.
3. Let the sauce reduce slightly, simmering for 2–3 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, melting it into the sauce.

This combination of wine, lemon, and butter creates a rich yet bright sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly in the sauce.
2. Add the lemon zest and season with salt to taste.
3. Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet to coat with the sauce.

The result is a dish where the pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce, and the shrimp are evenly coated in garlic, butter, and wine.

Step 5: Serve

1. Divide the pasta and shrimp among four plates.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness.
3. Serve immediately while warm, optionally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Do not overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
• Use dry white wine: Avoid sweet wines; a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
• Fresh garlic is key: Avoid pre-minced garlic if possible—it offers the best flavor.
• Optional heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes sparingly if you prefer a subtle kick.
• Serve immediately: Shrimp scampi tastes best right out of the skillet. Holding it too long can make the pasta soggy.

Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
2. Vegetable Addition: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be sautéed in the skillet along with the garlic for extra color and nutrition.
3. Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diners.
4. Lemon Forward: Adjust the lemon juice and zest to increase brightness without overpowering the butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the shrimp scampi with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add garlic bread to the table to mop up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
• Serve alongside a crisp white wine to complement the lemony butter sauce.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Pasta may absorb the sauce as it sits, so add a splash of water or white wine when reheating if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the shrimp and pasta separately, but the dish is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the perfect texture.

3. Can I substitute the pasta?

Yes. Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta work well.

4. Can I use butter only instead of olive oil?

Yes, but olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a light, fruity flavor.

5. What wine can I use if I don’t want alcohol?

You can substitute low-sodium chicken broth with a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness.

6. How can I make this spicier?

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more pronounced heat.

7. Can I freeze shrimp scampi?

It is not recommended after assembling because shrimp can become rubbery. You may freeze the shrimp and sauce separately and reheat gently.

Conclusion

The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a restaurant-quality dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. By following these steps, you can recreate the perfect balance of buttery, garlicky, lemony sauce and tender shrimp over pasta. It’s a meal that is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. With the optional variations and tips included, you can tailor the recipe to your taste, making it as rich, creamy, or spicy as you like. This shrimp scampi will impress both seafood lovers and casual diners alike, proving that you don’t need a restaurant to enjoy classic, indulgent flavors.

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