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
Scale
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.
