Indulge in the delightful experience of savoring Red Lobster’s iconic shrimp scampi right in the comfort of your own kitchen! Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate this simple yet elegant dish featuring tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for wowing your guests with a gourmet experience!
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Effortlessly Chic – With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals fine dining restaurants, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Ready in a Flash – This shrimp scampi comes together in just 30 minutes, so you can enjoy gourmet flavors without long preparation.
- Incredibly Versatile – Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Shrimp Lovers – The garlicky butter sauce makes this dish an unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Essential Components
- Shrimp – Medium-sized 31-40 per pound shrimp are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and absorb all those delicious flavors. Be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
- Chicken Broth or White Wine – Classic shrimp scampi pairs the richness of butter with white wine, adding a tangy depth of flavor. If you prefer no alcohol, chicken broth is a fantastic alternative.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential! It infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavors that complement the natural sweetness of shrimp. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Parmesan Cheese – A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty richness to balance the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and the juice of one lemon.
- Bring to a boil and reduce by half, intensifying the flavors.
Step 4: Enrich the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Stir until fully melted and emulsified into the sauce.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan for a burst of freshness and umami.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta – Serve with linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair to soak up every drop of the sauce.
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the garlicky butter sauce.
- Paired with Vegetables – Serve with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a balanced meal.
- Over Rice – White or brown rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Tips for Reheating & Storing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little butter or broth to keep it moist and creamy.
- Avoid microwaving shrimp—it can turn rubbery.
- Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can lose its delicate texture.
Delicious Twists
Creamy Shrimp Scampi
- Add ¼ cup of heavy cream after melting the butter for a rich, velvety finish.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi
- Serve over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash for a fresh, light twist.
Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi
- Pair with gluten-free pasta, rice, or sautéed spinach for a delicious alternative.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of simple yet elegant seafood dishes, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a must-try! The garlicky butter sauce, lemony brightness, and Parmesan richness make it an irresistible favorite.
Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. So fire up your skillet, cook some succulent shrimp, and enjoy a Red Lobster classic at home!
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and allow the liquid to reduce by half.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter. Once melted, add the Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.