If you have ever craved that perfect, buttery, garlicky seafood delight from your favorite restaurant, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe will bring the magic right into your kitchen. Imagine succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a luscious sauce of butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Whether served over al dente pasta or with a fresh crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce, this dish has the kind of flavor that keeps you going back for more. It’s the ideal meal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive but simple dish for guests that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe has a special role, coming together to create a dish that’s balanced, vibrant, and utterly delicious. From the freshness of the shrimp to the brightness of the lemon, every component enhances the taste, texture, and mouthwatering appeal.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): The star of the show, firm and juicy shrimp provide the perfect protein base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness to the sauté and prevents sticking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Key to that rich, silky sauce that defines scampi.
- 5 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, robust aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Brings acidity and complexity, helping to create a perfectly balanced sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the entire dish with citrusy zing.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a touch of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides freshness and a lovely pop of green color.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish to the sauce that ties everything together.
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta (optional for serving): A bed of tender pasta perfectly soaks up that delectable sauce.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Start by warming olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is foaming nicely, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant and golden, careful not to burn it. This step creates the flavor foundation. Next, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn gorgeous pink and just opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate, leaving the garlicky butter behind, which will be the base for your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version), then add the fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce by about half — roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce just right, keeping it light yet rich.
Step 3: Finish with Butter and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is gloriously smooth and velvety. The cheese melts into the buttery base, giving the sauce an irresistible creamy texture.
Step 4: Return the Shrimp and Toss
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in that luxurious sauce. Allow the shrimp to warm through for an additional minute, which lets the flavors mingle perfectly. Your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is essentially complete, fragrant, and begging to be devoured.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes here. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a bright, fresh color contrast but also a subtle herbal note that refreshes the palate. For an extra indulgent touch, a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the dish’s depth.
Side Dishes
While this shrimp scampi shines on its own, it pairs incredibly well with sides that complement but don’t overpower. Consider serving with a light mixed green salad dressed simply in lemon vinaigrette to echo the scampi’s citrus tones. Steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add fantastic crunch and color. Or keep it classic with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress visually, serve the shrimp and sauce atop a nest of freshly cooked linguine or angel hair pasta arranged artistically on the plate. For a low-carb alternative, try piling the shrimp and their delectable sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also serve shrimp scampi in shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side, perfect for savoring all the goodness one bite at a time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp absorb that amazing sauce overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the flavors intact and the texture just right.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because shrimp can become rubbery if frozen and reheated. However, if you must freeze, place the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Alternatively, microwave on low power in short bursts, covered, stirring in between. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as you thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce’s texture.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth makes a great substitute, adding depth while keeping the sauce flavorful and vibrant.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spicy if you include red pepper flakes, but you can easily omit them for a completely mild dish or increase for more heat based on your preference.
Can I add cream to the sauce?
Absolutely! A splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it decadently smooth and luscious.
What pasta pairs best with shrimp scampi?
Traditionally, linguine or angel hair pasta are perfect due to their delicate texture, which allows the sauce to coat every strand beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving that restaurant-quality seafood dish without leaving the comfort of home. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with irresistible flavors that will become a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness that takes shrimp scampi to a whole new level.
Print
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This copycat Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just minutes. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce with a touch of lemon and Parmesan, then served over pasta or with crusty bread for an irresistible meal that’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving (Optional)
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Heat the Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, infusing the oil with rich garlic flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook to maintain tenderness. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let the sauce reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes, to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a luscious, creamy sauce.
- Combine and Warm Through: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute to warm the shrimp through and marry the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over cooked linguine or angel hair pasta, or with crusty toasted bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the sauce before serving.
- Swap white wine for chicken broth to make it alcohol-free.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, steamed vegetables, or rice depending on your preference.
