If you’ve ever wished to recreate that irresistible seafood delight from your favorite chain, you’re in for a treat with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It’s a luscious, garlicky, buttery dish where tender shrimp meet perfectly cooked pasta, elevated by bright lemon juice and a hint of spice. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this recipe brings that celebrated restaurant flavor right into your kitchen, giving you a warm, comforting plate that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first joyful step toward your homemade shrimp scampi. Each element plays a vital role, from the juicy shrimp that star in the dish to the fresh parsley that adds a burst of color and freshness at the end.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a silky base to sauté the shrimp without overpowering the garlic.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce that makes every bite irresistibly rich.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers that signature aromatic punch essential to scampi.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Adds depth and a subtle tanginess that balances the butter beautifully.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Brings a fresh, zesty brightness to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers just the right amount of gentle heat, elevating the flavor without overwhelming.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances every flavor, making sure nothing falls flat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a splash of green and a fresh flavor contrast.
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta: Perfect noodles to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that adds a gorgeous umami richness.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook your linguine or angel hair pasta until al dente, just tender but still firm to the bite. Save half a cup of the pasta water before draining because this starchy liquid will be your secret weapon to loosen up the sauce later and help it cling beautifully to every strand of pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper, then cook them for approximately 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to turn pink and opaque while developing a hint of golden sear. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside so they stay perfectly tender without getting rubbery.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In that same skillet, melt the butter, letting it bubble gently to release its rich aroma. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it’s fragrant and slightly golden but not burnt. This builds the essential flavor foundation of the sauce.
Step 4: Develop the Sauce
Pour in your dry white wine or chicken broth, then add the fresh lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing the liquid slightly and concentrating those vibrant flavors. This step balances the richness from the butter with acidity and spice for a layered taste.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the luscious sauce. Then add your drained pasta and combine it all delicately. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor and moisture.
Step 6: Final Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for that vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal note. If you love cheese, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory richness that takes this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe over the top.
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with bright, fresh garnishes is key. A handful of chopped parsley not only brightens the plate but also refreshes the palate between bites. For an extra touch, some lemon wedges on the side encourage an extra squeeze of citrus that lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add crunch and balance the richness. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or even zoodles for a lighter option. You could also plate it in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to make it feel restaurant-quality right at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, but be careful not to keep it too long to preserve shrimp’s delicate texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the texture of shrimp and pasta can change after thawing. If you must freeze, separate the shrimp from the pasta and sauce first, then freeze each component tightly wrapped. Use within one month for best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it heats, stirring occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to get that perfect sear without steaming.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully, but chicken broth is a handy substitute if you prefer to skip the alcohol.
Is the red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?
Not at all! The red pepper flakes add a slight kick, but you can leave them out for a milder, more classic garlic butter shrimp flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a fresh twist.
How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Look for pink, opaque shrimp that curl into a loose C shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch closely!
Final Thoughts
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a treasure that brings a restaurant classic straight to your home kitchen with ease and unmatched flavor. It’s a perfect choice when you want to impress or simply treat yourself to a delicious, cozy meal. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and savor every buttery, garlicky, lemony bite you create.
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent large shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon, served over perfectly al dente linguine or angel hair pasta. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with fresh ingredients and a touch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta well.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper, then add to skillet. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, add red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss well to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using dry white wine enhances the flavor, but chicken broth can be substituted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Keep the tails on the shrimp for easier handling and better presentation.
- If red pepper flakes are not preferred, omit for a milder dish.
- You can use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten free.
- Reserve pasta water is useful for loosening the sauce and helping it adhere better to the pasta.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; flat-leaf parsley is preferred over curly.
