Indulge in the classic flavors of Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi from the comfort of your own kitchen! This simple yet elegant dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, topped off with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple yet Elegant: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Quick to Make: This shrimp scampi comes together in just 30 minutes, meaning you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, with a crusty loaf of bread, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Perfect for Shrimp Lovers: The shrimp are the star of the dish, absorbing the garlicky, buttery sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Key Ingredients:
Shrimp
For this recipe, medium shrimp (31-40 per pound) work best. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming too tough. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease, and if using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
Wine or Chicken Broth
White wine is a classic ingredient in shrimp scampi because it adds a light, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth, which will still give the sauce plenty of depth and flavor.
Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential to this dish. It infuses the sauce with that signature scampi flavor. Be sure not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter. Lightly sautéing the garlic ensures a mellow, sweet flavor that complements the shrimp.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish. While pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch, freshly grated Parmesan will melt into the sauce beautifully, adding an extra layer of creaminess.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
Cook the Shrimp:
Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They will be returned to the skillet later to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Cook the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Make sure to stir frequently and avoid browning or burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the Wine and Lemon Juice:
Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in 1/2 cup of white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer). Add the juice of one lemon, stirring well.
Bring the liquid to a boil, allowing it to reduce by half. This intensifies the flavor of the sauce, creating a concentrated base.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Incorporate Butter and Seasoning:
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and has emulsified into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.
Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine. The Italian seasoning adds depth and complements the flavors of the garlic and lemon.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the Shrimp:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce, making sure they are fully coated and warmed through.
Season and Garnish:
Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
For added freshness and flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions:
This Shrimp Scampi is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. The pasta will absorb the sauce beautifully, making it a perfect match for this dish.
With Crusty Bread: Serve the shrimp scampi with a warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread to sop up all the garlicky butter sauce.
Alongside Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
Over Rice: A simple bed of white or brown rice also makes an excellent accompaniment, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), you can store the shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shrimp doesn’t hold up well in the freezer, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a couple of days.
To reheat, warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. You may want to add a little extra butter or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them tough.
Variations:
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: For a creamier version, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce after incorporating the butter. This will give the dish a richer, more decadent texture.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic to give your scampi a spicy kick.
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, serve it over gluten-free pasta, rice, or a bed of sautéed spinach.
Final Thoughts:
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is the perfect dish for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys a simple, flavorful meal. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that complements the tender shrimp beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this shrimp scampi is sure to impress.
So grab your skillet, cook up some shrimp, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Red Lobster in the comfort of your own 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.