Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is one of the most beloved dishes on their menu, known for its rich, buttery garlic sauce and tender shrimp. This restaurant-style recipe is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, offering the same mouthwatering flavors with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this shrimp scampi will impress every time.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Get the same incredible taste of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi without leaving your house.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich & Flavorful – A garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine enhances the shrimp beautifully.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the seasonings, swap ingredients, or make it creamy for a personal touch.

---

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• 8 ounces linguine or angel hair pasta (optional, if serving with pasta)

---

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Combine Everything

7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes to coat them well.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

9. Serve hot over linguine, angel hair pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

---

Variations & Substitutions

• Creamy Version – Add ½ cup of heavy cream after the white wine reduces for a rich, creamy scampi sauce.
• No Wine? No Problem – Substitute the wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• More Citrus Flavor – Increase the lemon juice or add lemon zest for extra brightness.
• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or with steamed vegetables instead of pasta.

---

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

---

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery upon reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to keep it from drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overcooking.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What’s the best wine to use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid sweet wines.

Can I make this dish without pasta?

Absolutely! Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

How do I keep shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Don’t overcook them! Shrimp cook in just 2-3 minutes, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.

What kind of shrimp should I buy?

Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work well.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great alternatives.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time. Add them at the end just to warm through in the sauce.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients in advance, but it’s best served fresh to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.

---

Conclusion

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a must-try for seafood lovers. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates an irresistible dish that’s quick and easy to make at home. Whether served over pasta, with bread, or on its own, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Print