Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a delicious, indulgent dish that features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The shrimp are tender and juicy, while the scampi sauce is packed with bold flavors from garlic, lemon, and herbs, creating a perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and buttery notes. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare yet feels luxurious and satisfying.
I first made this dish when I was craving the flavors of my favorite seafood restaurant but didn’t want to go out. The combination of garlic butter sauce and tender shrimp made it feel like a special meal, and the pasta absorbed all the rich flavors beautifully. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add extra vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Whether for a casual dinner or a celebratory meal, Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Seafood lovers
- Special dinners
- Date nights
- Family gatherings
- A flavorful twist on pasta dishes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will become your go-to seafood recipe:
- Garlic Butter Perfection: The rich garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish, enveloping the shrimp in a mouthwatering glaze.
- Tender Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of garlic, lemon, and white wine creates a sauce that is both tangy and savory.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Restaurant-Worthy: You’ll feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant with every bite.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Its simplicity and flavor make it ideal for impressing guests without too much effort.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or spice levels to suit your taste.
- Classic Comfort Food: A beloved favorite that never goes out of style.
- Light and Filling: A satisfying dish that is both light enough for any occasion and filling enough for dinner.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic Butter: The essential base of the dish, creating a rich and aromatic sauce.
- White Wine: Adds depth and a slight acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
- Lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta (Optional):
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Shrimp Scampi:
- Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another minute to combine all the flavors.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
Serve:
- Combine with Pasta: If serving with pasta, toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan (optional) and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi:
- Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp and garlic butter sauce over a bed of linguine or spaghetti for a classic presentation.
- With Rice: Serve alongside a scoop of white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair with freshly baked garlic bread for the perfect dish to dip in the buttery sauce.
- On Its Own: Enjoy the shrimp scampi on its own as a low-carb, light meal.
- With Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp scampi.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer for a seafood-themed dinner.
- With Asparagus: Serve alongside roasted asparagus for a delicious and healthy side.
- For Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for celebrating a birthday or anniversary dinner.
- With Lemon Wedges: Add extra lemon wedges on the side for an additional fresh burst of citrus.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become tough if overcooked, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.
- Add More Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the sauce for a more intense flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and color, but you can also experiment with basil or thyme for a different twist.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Butter Shrimp: Omit the wine for a tangier, lemon-forward version.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up.
- Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the skillet for extra veggies.
- Cajun Shrimp Scampi: Use Cajun seasoning for a spicier, Southern twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Top with extra grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
- Vegan Shrimp Scampi: Use plant-based shrimp for a vegan-friendly option.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet – For sautéing the shrimp and garlic in butter and oil.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – To peel and devein shrimp, as well as mince garlic and chop parsley.
- Garlic Press – For quickly mincing garlic to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of seasonings, oil, and butter.
- Tongs – To handle shrimp and toss them in the skillet without breaking them.
- Lemon Juicer – For extracting fresh lemon juice to add a zesty, tangy finish.
- Baking Dish – For placing the cooked shrimp and sauce before serving.
- Strainer or Sifter – To strain out any impurities from the oil or stock before adding to the sauce.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For stirring the shrimp and sauce without sticking.
- Grater – For finely grating Parmesan or Romano cheese to sprinkle over the dish.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. - How long does shrimp scampi last in the fridge?
Shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I make shrimp scampi without pasta?
Absolutely! Serve it with rice or vegetables for a low-carb option. - How do I prevent the shrimp from getting tough?
Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side. - Can I add other seafood?
Yes, you can add scallops or lobster tails for a seafood medley. - How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches. - Can I serve shrimp scampi cold?
While shrimp scampi is best served hot, you can refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them cold in a seafood salad. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Conclusion
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a rich and flavorful dish that features succulent shrimp tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon, creating the perfect balance of savory and tangy. This classic seafood dish is served over pasta, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. With its buttery sauce and tender shrimp, it’s no wonder this dish has become a fan favorite.
This recipe is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main dish or served as a special treat for gatherings or celebrations. You can customize it by adding extra herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own or alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is sure to impress.
I can’t wait to see how your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!