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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Recreate the classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home with this easy recipe featuring tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce served over perfectly cooked linguine or angel hair pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, delivering authentic flavor with simple ingredients and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp

Base Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth / lemon-infused water for non-alcoholic)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute with basil or cilantro)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Pasta

  • 8 ounces linguine or angel hair pasta (or gluten-free pasta as preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Mince garlic and chop parsley. Measure butter, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine, and seasonings to have them ready for cooking.
  2. Cook Pasta Until Al Dente: Bring salted water to boil and cook linguine or angel hair pasta according to package directions until tender but firm. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, without browning. Add shrimp and sauté 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
  4. Deglaze Pan with White Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping the pan bottom to lift flavorful bits. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a silky texture.
  6. Finish with Parsley and Seasonings: Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes over the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss once more and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn opaque to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Combine butter and olive oil to prevent butter from burning while maximizing richness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and enhance silkiness.
  • Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness.
  • Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop with splash of water or broth; avoid microwaving.
  • Freezing is not recommended due to shrimp texture and pasta quality changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Red Lobster, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Seafood Pasta, Easy Shrimp Recipe, Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi