There is something utterly irresistible about that golden, garlicky, buttery sauce coating tender shrimp and perfectly al dente pasta in the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. This dish combines vibrant flavors and luscious textures in such a way that it feels both upscale and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight supper or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Once you try it, the balance of garlic, white wine, lemon, and shrimp will quickly become a new favorite to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its simplicity yet stunning flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the richness of butter and olive oil to the brightness of lemon juice and fresh parsley, every single component adds depth to the final dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Using large shrimp ensures succulent bites that hold up nicely in the sauce.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Creates the luxuriously rich base that clings to both shrimp and pasta.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the butter and adds a fruity undertone.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that signature aromatic punch you’ll love.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle, warming heat to elevate the flavors.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, perfect for deglazing the pan.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lends a bright, zesty contrast to the buttery sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Brings a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild spice.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and adds extra depth.
- 8 ounces linguine or pasta of choice: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that glorious sauce.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Shrimp
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—it’s the key to seasoning your pasta from the inside out. Add the linguine or your chosen pasta and cook until just al dente so it has a nice bite. Meanwhile, make sure your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined, setting them aside to cleanly move onto the cooking process. This prep sets the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Create the Flavor Base with Butter, Oil, and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter and warm the olive oil together over medium heat. This blend creates a rich, luscious base for the dish. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes fragrant but not browned—about 1 to 2 minutes—because those flavorful aromas are what make shrimp scampi so addictive.
Step 3: Infuse Heat and Cook the Shrimp
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, dispersing the gentle kick throughout the sauce. Then, place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, giving each piece space to cook evenly. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the edges start turning pink and opaque—it’s the telltale sign they’re on their way to perfect.
Step 4: Finish Cooking Shrimp and Deglaze the Pan
Flip your shrimp over for another 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, ensuring they are cooked through but still tender. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce and meld seamlessly with the garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Brighten the Sauce and Season
Add the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring everything together so the liquids combine in a silky sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste. This contrast of tangy lemon and savory broth lifts the entire dish and keeps it perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta but remember to reserve some pasta water—it’s the secret to keeping your sauce smooth and clingy. Toss the hot pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, coating each strand lovingly. If the sauce feels thick, add reserved pasta water spoon by spoon until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and gently toss the pasta like you’re enveloping it in a warm, cheesy hug. Let it melt into the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes; this step rounds out the flavors with a deep, nutty richness that completes the dish beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and shower the top with fresh chopped parsley. This final touch adds just the right balance of freshness and visual appeal, turning your simple scampi into a dish worth savoring from the first bite to the last.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is essential for freshness and color, but you can also add freshly grated Parmesan, a twist of lemon zest, or even a scattering of sliced green onions for an unexpected pop. These small touches make the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm crusty bread to sop up every drop of that luscious sauce, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus also pair beautifully, adding texture and a healthy balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the scampi in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and an extra lemon wedge on the side. You could even plate the shrimp on a bed of creamy polenta or risotto for a comforting twist that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the fresh flavors and tender texture of the shrimp and pasta.
Freezing
While you can freeze shrimp scampi, keep in mind that the texture of shrimp and pasta may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, make sure to cool the dish completely, then freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water as needed to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What type of wine works best in the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly, lending acidity and fruity notes without overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount according to your spice preference or omit them entirely for a milder version.
Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes, while linguine is traditional, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through and have firm, springy flesh. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye during cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little seafood magic to your dinner table, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. The way the garlic, lemon, and butter mingle with tender shrimp is pure comfort and elegance combined in the best way possible. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet special enough for celebrations. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite shrimp dish!
Print
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a deliciously buttery and garlicky seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed with white wine and fresh lemon juice, tossed with linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it brings restaurant-quality shrimp scampi right to your dinner table in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or pasta of choice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Add linguine or your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter with 4 tablespoons olive oil. Once melted and heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Sauté Shrimp: Stir in 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they begin turning pink and opaque.
- Cook Shrimp & Deglaze: Flip the shrimp and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until fully opaque. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and pasta, tossing gently for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese and fully coat the dish in sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly peeled and deveined for best texture.
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to avoid sweetness.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
- For gluten-free option, substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta.
