Best Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ever

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that unforgettable restaurant experience at home, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is your golden ticket. Featuring succulent, tender shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, it delivers every bit of that classic flavor you crave. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a special gathering, this recipe captures the magic of Red Lobster’s beloved dish right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavor: This recipe mirrors the irresistible taste and texture of the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi so you can enjoy it any night.
• Simple ingredients: With easy-to-find staples like garlic, butter, and shrimp, it’s straightforward to make without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and last-minute entertaining.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust spices, pasta types, or add veggies to suit your taste and preferences.
• Impresses guests: The elegant presentation and restaurant-level taste make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creating a harmonious dish that’s rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with fresh garlic and herbs.

• Shrimp: Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease of cooking.
• Butter: Provides a luscious, creamy base essential to the sauce’s richness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a fragrant, pungent punch.
• Olive oil: Helps balance the butter and adds a subtle fruity note.
• White wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce, cutting through the richness.
• Lemon juice: Brings brightness and freshness to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley provides a pop of vibrant color and herbaceous flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds mild heat to elevate the overall taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
• Pasta: Linguine or angel hair works best to soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.

Variations for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Feel free to tailor this recipe effortlessly to your liking by swapping ingredients or embracing dietary needs, making it as comforting or as adventurous as you want.

• Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who love extra heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties to keep it safe for sensitive diets without compromising taste.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini ribbons to add texture and nutrition.
• Herb swap: Try basil or cilantro for a different herbaceous twist instead of parsley.
• Non-alcoholic version: Substitute white wine with chicken broth or lemon-infused water to maintain flavor.

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if they aren’t already prepped. Mince fresh garlic finely and chop parsley. Measure out butter, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine, and seasonings to keep everything within easy reach as you cook.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Until Al Dente

Boil salted water and cook your choice of linguine or angel hair pasta according to package directions until just tender but firm to the bite. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Toss in shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 4: Deglaze Pan with White Wine and Lemon Juice

Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping the pan bottom to lift any flavorful bits. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta directly to the pan with shrimp and sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a silky finish.

Step 6: Finish with Parsley and Seasonings

Sprinkle chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the dish. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give one final toss before serving piping hot.

Pro Tips for Making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Fresh shrimp: Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly—remove it as soon as it turns opaque to avoid rubbery bites.
• Butter balance: Combine butter and olive oil to prevent the butter from burning while maximizing richness.
• Reserve pasta water: It’s a magic ingredient to enhance sauce silkiness and consistency.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks brightness; always squeeze fresh lemons for the best taste.
• Keep garlic golden: Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent any bitterness.

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side add fresh color and enhance the bright, buttery flavors, making the dish even more inviting and photogenic.

Side Dishes

Light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or garlic bread complement the richness of the shrimp scampi perfectly, balancing the meal with contrast in textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shrimp scampi over a nest of pasta on warm plates, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, or present in shallow bowls topped with grated Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce flavorful.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this shrimp scampi as shrimp texture can change and pasta may become mushy after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used as long as they are fully thawed and drained before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess water in the sauce.

What pasta works best with Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Linguine and angel hair pasta are preferred because their thin strands allow the garlic butter sauce to coat beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine or olive oil to keep the sauce luscious while avoiding dairy.

How spicy is the traditional shrimp scampi?

Traditional versions have just a mild hint of heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spiciness to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, though it’s best to prepare fresh when possible, you can make the shrimp and sauce ahead separately and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving for ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that captures the heart of classic seafood dining with ease and elegance. With its vibrant garlic butter sauce, succulent shrimp, and tender pasta, it’s an absolute must-try if you want to bring that signature restaurant magic into your own kitchen. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes your new favorite dinner dish to share with friends and family!

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