Indulge in the delightful experience of savoring Red Lobster’s iconic shrimp scampi right in the comfort of your own kitchen! Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate this simple yet elegant dish, featuring tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
This delightful recipe is sure to shine at your next quick dinner or wow your guests with its charm.
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
✔ Effortlessly Chic – With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals fine dining restaurants, perfect for a cozy dinner or special celebration.
✔ Ready in a Flash – This shrimp scampi comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the lengthy prep time.
✔ Incredibly Versatile – Serve it over pasta, crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a customized dining experience.
✔ Perfect for Seafood Lovers – The star of the dish, shrimp, is enveloped in a garlicky, buttery sauce that melts in your mouth.
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Essential Ingredients
The Star of the Dish: Shrimp
- Use medium shrimp (31-40 per pound) for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Peel and devein for the best texture.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking.
Butter & Olive Oil
- A combination of butter and olive oil prevents burning while creating a rich, velvety sauce.
White Wine or Chicken Broth
- Traditional shrimp scampi features a splash of white wine, adding a tangy, elegant depth of flavor.
- Not a fan of wine? Use chicken broth for a similar richness and depth.
Garlic: The Flavor Enhancer
- Fresh garlic is a must for infusing the buttery sauce with its bold, aromatic essence.
- Avoid browning garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Lemon Juice
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Parmesan Cheese
- The final touch—a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for nutty, salty goodness.
- Avoid pre-grated cheese, as freshly grated melts better into the sauce.
Italian Seasoning & Parsley
- Italian seasoning complements the garlic and lemon, enhancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat until shimmering (but not smoking!).
- Place shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp! They cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
The kitchen will be filled with the incredible aroma of garlic and butter!
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Pour in ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth) and the juice of one lemon.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by half and concentrate the flavors.
The secret to bold flavor? Letting the wine or broth reduce!
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, stirring gently.
The butter creates a silky-smooth sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully!
Step 5: Reunite the Shrimp with the Sauce
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the luscious sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Pasta Perfection:
- Toss shrimp scampi with linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta for a restaurant-worthy dish.
- The pasta soaks up the buttery sauce, making each bite irresistible.
✔ Crusty Bread:
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to scoop up every drop of sauce.
✔ Over Rice:
- Both white and brown rice make a great base, absorbing the delicious scampi sauce.
✔ With Roasted Vegetables:
- Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a light and healthy meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery when thawed.
✔ Reheating:
- Skillet Method: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of butter or broth to prevent drying out.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make shrimp tough.
Delicious Twists & Variations
🌿 Creamy Shrimp Scampi – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after adding the butter for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
🌶️ Spicy Shrimp Scampi – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a fiery kick.
🥒 Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi – Serve over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Enjoy over gluten-free pasta, rice, or sautéed spinach for a completely gluten-free delight.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Seafood Indulgence
For all the seafood lovers and fans of easy gourmet meals, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is sure to delight your taste buds!
With succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish is pure perfection.
✔ Elegant enough for a special dinner
✔ Simple enough for a quick weeknight meal
So grab your skillet, sauté some shrimp, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home! 🍤🍋🥂
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and allow the liquid to reduce by half.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter. Once melted, add the Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
