Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Perfect Dinner for Any Night

Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that instantly brings to mind a cozy evening, the smell of garlic and butter filling the air, and a meal that’s simple yet indulgent. When I think of shrimp scampi, I can’t help but think of those delicious, garlicky shrimp from Red Lobster, and how they make any meal feel a little more special. But you don’t have to go out to enjoy that iconic dish! In fact, I’ve created an easy recipe that brings that same restaurant-quality shrimp scampi right to your kitchen. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and the perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to a little midweek indulgence.

This homemade Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe uses a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful dish that’s packed with garlicky goodness, buttery richness, and the perfect balance of heat and acidity. It’s an ideal meal when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, let’s not forget that it’s all served over linguine, making it extra comforting and satisfying.

Why This Shrimp Scampi is a Must-Make Dish

This recipe is an homage to the shrimp scampi you love from Red Lobster, but with the convenience of making it in your own kitchen. One of the things I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s full of flavor but doesn’t require any fancy techniques or ingredients. If you’re like me and enjoy whipping up delicious meals that don’t take much time or effort, this shrimp scampi is going to become a regular in your rotation.

The combination of shrimp, garlic, and buttery goodness is irresistible, and the white wine adds just the right amount of acidity to balance everything out. The best part? You can have it ready in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your loved ones, this recipe won’t take up too much of your time and will still feel like you’ve made something truly impressive.

Getting Started: The Ingredients You Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the simple ingredients you’ll need. Most of these you can easily find in your local grocery store, and if you already enjoy cooking, they’re probably staples in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Red Lobster shrimp scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the show! I recommend using large shrimp, as they hold up well in the sauce and offer that satisfying bite.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter – A generous amount of butter is essential for the rich, creamy sauce that makes shrimp scampi so irresistible.
• 3 tbsp olive oil – The olive oil helps to cook the shrimp and garlic without the butter burning, creating the perfect base for the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is key to this dish! It adds an aromatic base that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and butter.
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes – A little heat goes a long way. The crushed red pepper flakes give the dish that spicy kick we all love.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine – This adds depth to the sauce and balances out the richness of the butter. You can use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh zing.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Parsley isn’t just for garnish; it adds a burst of freshness and color to the finished dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is key to bringing all the flavors together, so don’t forget to taste and adjust accordingly.
• 8 oz linguine pasta, cooked al dente – Linguine is the classic choice for shrimp scampi, but you can also use spaghetti or another long pasta if that’s what you have on hand.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to bring the flavors of Red Lobster right to your dinner table. It’s all about fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. Trust me, this part is super easy, and it comes together quickly. The key is to work at a steady pace, so everything cooks evenly and you end up with the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 1: Cook the Linguine Pasta

The first thing you’ll want to do is get your linguine pasta cooking. Follow the package instructions and cook it until it’s just al dente—slightly firm to the bite. You don’t want to overcook the pasta because it will continue to soften when you toss it in the shrimp scampi sauce later. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You’ll need it in just a few minutes!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Olive Oil in a Skillet

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to work on the shrimp and sauce. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, you’re ready to add the garlic. But be careful—garlic burns quickly, and once it’s burned, it’ll taste bitter. We don’t want that!

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden. This will infuse the butter and oil with a rich, savory flavor that forms the base of your sauce. Just make sure you’re stirring occasionally and keeping an eye on the garlic to avoid burning it.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Once the garlic is nice and fragrant, it’s time to add the shrimp to the skillet. You’ll want to cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should cook quickly, and this is when you’ll see the magic start to happen. The garlic butter sauce will begin to coat the shrimp, and it’s already starting to smell amazing!

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice

Now, for a little extra flavor boost! Add fresh lemon juice to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will allow the wine to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors and creating a silky, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Season and Add Parsley

Once the sauce has reduced and the shrimp are perfectly cooked, it’s time to season the dish with salt and pepper. I always recommend tasting the sauce and adjusting the seasoning to your preference. After that, stir in the fresh parsley to give the dish some bright color and freshness.

Step 7: Toss with Linguine Pasta

Finally, add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that buttery, garlicky goodness. The pasta will soak up all those flavors, and you’ll be left with a dish that’s nothing short of heavenly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well-combined, serve your shrimp scampi immediately. If you want to make it look extra special, garnish with a little extra parsley for color. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone at the table eager to dig in!

Cooking Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Now that we’ve covered the basics of making this easy Red Lobster shrimp scampi, let’s dive into some helpful tips and variations to make this dish even better. The beauty of shrimp scampi is that it’s easy to customize to your tastes, and with just a few tweaks, you can elevate it even more. From different ways to prepare the shrimp to adding a bit of extra flavor, here are some things to keep in mind while you cook.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

1. Choosing the Right Shrimp

The shrimp you use in this recipe can make a huge difference in the final dish. When buying shrimp, look for fresh, high-quality shrimp that are large and firm. Fresh shrimp, as opposed to frozen, will give you the best texture and flavor, but if frozen is all you have, that’s fine too! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess water releasing into your sauce.

Another pro tip: when shopping for shrimp, opt for those that are already peeled and deveined. This will save you time and make the cooking process much easier. If you can only find shrimp with shells, it’s not the end of the world, but you’ll need to spend some extra time prepping them before you get started.

2. Garlic is Key (But Don’t Burn It!)

When it comes to making shrimp scampi, garlic is the MVP of the dish. But like we mentioned earlier, garlic can easily go from perfectly fragrant to burnt and bitter in seconds. To avoid this, keep the heat on medium and be ready to stir the garlic after about 30 seconds of cooking. The goal is to soften the garlic and bring out its natural sweetness and aroma, not to brown it. If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat and adjust accordingly.

3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to watch them closely. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, which is definitely not what you want in your shrimp scampi. When the shrimp turns pink and opaque, it’s done. It only takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp, so stay attentive to ensure they don’t cook for too long.

4. Let the Sauce Simmer

Once the shrimp are cooked, and you add the white wine and lemon juice to the pan, it’s important to let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. This will allow the alcohol in the wine to cook off and reduce the sauce slightly, concentrating the flavors. However, don’t let it simmer too long, as the sauce can reduce too much and become too thick. You want it to be nice and silky, coating the shrimp and pasta just perfectly.

5. Taste and Season as You Go

Seasoning can make or break a dish, so be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more lemon juice if you want a little extra brightness or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. You’re the chef here, so feel free to make it your own!

Fun Variations to Try:

While this classic shrimp scampi recipe is a winner on its own, you might want to play around with it to make it your own. Here are some fun variations to try if you’re looking to mix things up or give the dish a little twist.

1. Add a Touch of Cream

For a richer, creamier shrimp scampi, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process. After reducing the wine and lemon juice, stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a minute or two. This will create a luscious, creamy sauce that still has all the garlic and buttery goodness you love.

2. Make it Spicy!

If you’re a fan of heat, try adding some chopped fresh jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the skillet when cooking the garlic. This will give the dish an extra spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp. If you really want to turn up the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes too.

3. Use Zucchini Noodles or Other Pasta Alternatives

For a lower-carb option, consider swapping out the linguine for zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles). You can either use a spiralizer to create your own zoodles or buy pre-made ones at the store. Simply sauté the zucchini noodles in a separate skillet for 2-3 minutes to soften them, then add them to the shrimp scampi sauce. It’s a light and fresh alternative that still lets you enjoy all the flavors of this dish.

4. Switch Up the Pasta

Although linguine is the classic choice for shrimp scampi, don’t be afraid to switch things up and try other types of pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta would all work wonderfully in this recipe. Each type of pasta will give the dish a slightly different texture, so experiment to see what you like best.

5. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? You can easily add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus to the shrimp scampi for added color and flavor. Just sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding the shrimp, and they’ll absorb all that delicious garlicky butter sauce.

6. Try Different Proteins

While shrimp is the star of this recipe, you could easily swap it out for other proteins. Scallops, lobster, or even chicken would all work wonderfully in place of shrimp. If using chicken, make sure it’s cooked through before adding the wine and lemon juice. You could also mix shrimp with other seafood for a more decadent dish!

Make It a Complete Meal

Now that your shrimp scampi is ready, let’s talk about how to make it a complete, satisfying meal. Since shrimp scampi is already served with pasta, you have a hearty base for your dish. However, there are a few easy side dishes you can prepare to round out the meal.

1. Garlic Bread

Is there anything better than dipping warm, buttery garlic bread into a garlicky shrimp scampi sauce? I think not! A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all the extra sauce. Simply bake or toast some slices of your favorite bread, then spread with a little butter and garlic. You’ll thank me later.

2. A Light Salad

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the richness of the shrimp scampi perfectly. You could use mixed greens, arugula, or even a Caesar salad if you’re craving something with a little more flavor. The freshness and crunch will balance out the buttery sauce.

3. Steamed Veggies

If you’re looking for something healthy and light on the side, steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would be a great choice. The fresh, tender vegetables will add texture and color to your plate, and they pair wonderfully with the richness of the shrimp scampi.

Wrapping It Up

With these tips and variations, you’re ready to make your shrimp scampi even more delicious and customizable. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try some of these fun twists, this dish is guaranteed to impress. In the next section, we’ll answer some common questions about making shrimp scampi, so you can troubleshoot any issues and ensure you’re creating the perfect dish every time.

FAQ and Conclusion:

As we wrap up this delicious journey into the world of homemade Red Lobster shrimp scampi, I wanted to address some common questions you might have while preparing this dish. The goal is to make sure you feel confident in the kitchen and can whip up this tasty recipe without any hiccups. Let’s dive into the FAQ section!

1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh shrimp is ideal for the best texture and flavor, frozen shrimp will work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. To thaw frozen shrimp, you can place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Avoid using warm water, as it can affect the texture of the shrimp.

2. Can I substitute the white wine with something else?

If you prefer not to use wine or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth. The broth will still give the sauce a nice depth of flavor, though it won’t have the same acidity that the wine provides. If you want a bit of tang, you can also add a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic that sharp, zesty note.

3. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

The best way to tell if shrimp are cooked through is by their color. Shrimp turn a lovely pink shade when they’re done, and the flesh should be opaque. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery and tough, so keep an eye on them! They only need 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on their size. It’s better to slightly undercook them than overcook, as they will continue to cook in the hot sauce after you remove them from the skillet.

4. Can I make this shrimp scampi ahead of time?

While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare some elements of the dish ahead of time. For example, you can cook the pasta and store it separately, then reheat it when ready to serve. The shrimp and sauce, however, are best served fresh. If you do need to store leftovers, keep the shrimp, pasta, and sauce separate to maintain the best texture. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to add flavor and texture to your shrimp scampi. You can toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus for a boost of freshness. Just be sure to sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding the shrimp so they can soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

6. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you find that the sauce is too thin for your liking, there are a couple of ways to thicken it. You can simmer it a little longer to allow more of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can make a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the pan. Stir it in and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens.

7. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! While linguine is the traditional choice for shrimp scampi, feel free to use any pasta that you prefer. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would all work well. If you want to go low-carb, you can substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Making Again and Again

And there you have it—your very own homemade Red Lobster shrimp scampi! With a few simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

The beauty of shrimp scampi lies in its versatility. You can customize it with different pasta options, extra veggies, or even switch up the protein, depending on what you have on hand. Plus, with all the tips and tricks shared in this article, you’ll be able to perfect your shrimp scampi every single time.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this dish as much as I do! There’s nothing quite like the combination of garlicky shrimp, buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s one of those recipes that’s always satisfying, whether it’s for a special dinner or a casual meal with family and friends. I’d love to hear about your experience, so be sure to leave a comment if you try this recipe or if you’ve made any fun variations of your own!

Now, it’s time to grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to a plate of shrimp scampi that’s as close to Red Lobster as you can get—without ever having to leave your kitchen! Enjoy!

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