If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating a restaurant-quality seafood dish right in your own kitchen, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes those vibrant, buttery, garlicky flavors you love at Red Lobster and brings them home in a beautifully simple yet impressive shrimp scampi that’s perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. Each bite bursts with juicy shrimp, a hint of spice, and a bright squeeze of lemon that make this dish absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. These simple staples each play a critical role, from the savory depth of butter to the fresh brightness of lemon, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Choose fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best texture and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps cook the shrimp evenly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives that rich, silky mouthfeel classic in scampi dishes.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that fragrant, punchy aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Provides acidity and depth, while helping form a delicious sauce.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Brightens and lifts the dish with fresh citrus notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick that balances buttery richness beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta: The perfect vessel for soaking up that luscious sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, savory finishing touch for cheese lovers.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your linguine or angel hair pasta until just al dente — tender but still with a little bite to hold up under the sauce. Don’t forget to save half a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a secret ingredient for loosening your sauce and giving it that silky, restaurant-quality texture.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Juicy Perfection
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add your seasoned shrimp. Cooking shrimp just 1 to 2 minutes per side ensures they stay tender and juicy, never rubbery. Once perfectly pink and cooked through, transfer them aside to rest while you build the sauce in the same pan.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Butter Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the velvety butter, then toss in the minced garlic to sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant and golden without burning. This step is what infuses every bite with that rich, garlicky goodness you crave in a Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
Step 4: Add Wine, Lemon, and Spice
Pour in your dry white wine or chicken broth along with fresh lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly, concentrating those bright, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors that make this dish stand out.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the luscious sauce. This ensures each piece is bursting with flavor, making every forkful a delight.
Step 6: Toss in Pasta and Finish
Add your pasta back to the skillet, gently mixing with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce seems thick, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it into a smooth, silky coating that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color and freshness. If you like, finish with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch. Serve immediately while it’s hot and inviting.
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for that bright, herbal note and cheerful color contrast. A squeeze of extra lemon juice or a light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish even more, adding brightness or savory depth depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
Pair this shrimp scampi with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is fantastic to soak up every last drop of that buttery, garlicky sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also complement nicely, adding texture and a fresh bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the scampi over a bed of zucchini noodles or creamy polenta. Plating shrimp scampi individual-style in small bowls garnished with lemon wedges makes for an inviting, elegant presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and shrimp together to prevent the noodles from drying out. Reheat gently to maintain the delicate texture of the shrimp.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving which can toughen the shrimp. Reheat just until warmed through to keep everything tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid excess water in the pan.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine and angel hair pasta are classic choices because their thin shapes allow the sauce to cling perfectly without overpowering the shrimp.
Is the white wine necessary in the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
While white wine adds lovely acidity and depth, you can substitute chicken broth to keep the sauce flavorful if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle, warming hint of heat that balances the butter and lemon — it’s subtle enough to complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the linguine for gluten-free pasta or serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of sautéed vegetables for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about bringing a favorite restaurant dish home, and the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe nails that experience with ease and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe delivers a bright, buttery, garlicky seafood feast that feels both special and comforting. Go ahead, grab your skillet, and fall in love with shrimp scampi all over again!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful and quick seafood pasta dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, white wine, and lemon sauce, served over linguine or angel hair pasta. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and create a silky consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for white wine if preferred or to make it non-alcoholic.
- Keep shrimp tails on for ease of handling and extra flavor, or remove if desired.
- The red pepper flakes are optional, but add a nice subtle heat to balance the lemon and garlic.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor and color; dried parsley will not have the same impact.
- Reserving pasta water helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency that clings to the pasta.
