Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
This Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe brings the delicious flavors of the famous restaurant dish straight to your kitchen. It features tender shrimp, a savory garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed together for a rich and satisfying meal. With a handful of fresh ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Equipment
- Large skillet (1, 12-inch)
- Large pot for boiling pasta (1, 5-6 quarts)
- Measuring spoons (1 set)
- Measuring cups (1 set)
- Strainer (1, for draining pasta)
- Tongs or Pasta spoon (1)
- Garlic press (1, optional)
- Knife (1, for chopping parsley and mincing garlic)
- Cutting board (1)
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp large, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice, then bring the sauce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it to coat evenly. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss again. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and freshly chopped parsley. Squeeze additional lemon juice over the dish for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Plate the Shrimp Scampi, garnish with extra parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Pasta Options: Linguine is ideal for Shrimp Scampi, but you can use any long pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Adding Cream: If you prefer a creamy Shrimp Scampi, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the sauce after adding the garlic.
- Customize the Heat: Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your taste.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready, cook the shrimp and pasta fresh for the best results.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the garlic butter sauce.