If you are craving something that feels indulgent yet comes together in a flash, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners have been missing. Bursting with succulent shrimp bathed in a garlic butter sauce kissed with lemon and a hint of white wine, this dish captures the heart of a classic seafood favorite without leaving your kitchen. Every bite is a celebration of fresh, bright flavors paired with that irresistible, cozy warmth that makes shrimp scampi a beloved choice for seafood lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the sweetness of the shrimp to the comforting richness of butter and the vibrant pop of fresh parsley, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined with tails on): Choose fresh or thawed for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the butter from burning.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates the silky, luscious base of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a gentle spicy warmth without overpowering.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup) or chicken broth: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brightens the bowl with fresh citrus tang.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Provides herbal freshness and color contrast.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Melts into the sauce for a creamy, savory finish.
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta: For serving, letting the sauce soak into every strand.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp a gentle pat dry and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned. Heat the olive oil and half of your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get a beautiful sizzle. Add the shrimp, cooking each side for just 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—this quick sear locks in their sweetness. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful fond behind to build your sauce.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn your heat down to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting the garlic gently cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant—this is where the kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens, marrying the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing each one in the luxurious sauce to coat completely. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough to warm the shrimp back through without overcooking. Finish by stirring in bright, fresh parsley and sprinkling on some Parmesan cheese if you’re craving that extra creamy touch. This step elevates the dish, adding a final pop of flavor and inviting color.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it brightens the dish visually and adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery sauce. For a little extra indulgence, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan really rounds out the flavor profile and melts into the warm scampi for a rich finish.
Side Dishes
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe naturally pairs with linguine or angel hair pasta, where the garlicky butter sauce can cling to every strand. Don’t overlook the joy of crusty bread alongside—it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a zingy balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, consider serving the shrimp scampi over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. Plating in individual shallow bowls garnished with lemon wedges adds a lovely touch, ensuring guests can customize their citrus brightness with every bite. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top can add a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your shrimp scampi into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to retain that fresh and vibrant flavor so the tender shrimp don’t become rubbery.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container, separating from any pasta. For best results, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving as the shrimp can become tough quickly; slow reheating preserves their delicate texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce’s consistency and cooking time.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken broth works wonderfully as a substitute, adding depth without overpowering the other flavors. You could also use a good-quality vegetable broth for a pescatarian-friendly option.
Is it okay to leave out the Parmesan cheese?
Yes! Parmesan adds a creamy, salty finish, but the dish is flavorful and satisfying even without it, making it a perfect option for those who prefer to avoid dairy or want a lighter meal.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap out the traditional pasta for gluten-free noodles or serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a fresh, low-carb alternative.
How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook quickly—usually within 1 to 2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye, and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering a Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe that you can whip up any night of the week. This dish combines simplicity with elegance, letting quality ingredients shine and delivering flavors that feel both familiar and indulgent. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it—you might just find your new favorite seafood dinner that’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends with your cooking flair.
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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a classic American-Italian inspired seafood dish featuring succulent large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine, lemon, and fresh parsley. Served over pasta or with crusty bread, this flavorful main course delivers a perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and savory notes that make it a beloved seafood favorite.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels and lightly season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add liquids and reduce: Stir in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly reduces, intensifying the flavor of the sauce.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes just until the shrimp are heated through.
- Finish and garnish: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a bright herbal note. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness and flavor.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi hot over cooked linguine or angel hair pasta, or serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For extra richness, finish the sauce with a splash of cream or a pat of cold butter.
- This dish works wonderfully with scallops or a mix of seafood for variety.
- Using dry white wine adds complexity, but chicken broth is a good non-alcoholic substitute.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
