Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, then you’ve probably had their iconic Shrimp Scampi—those tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, buttery, garlic-infused sauce that’s just irresistible. Well, get ready, because I’m about to share with you a Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe that will bring those amazing flavors straight to your own kitchen! Trust me, this dish is a game-changer—quick, easy, and packed with so much flavor, you’ll feel like you’re dining seaside in no time.

You can already imagine it, right? The shrimp are perfectly cooked, the sauce is buttery and garlicky, and every bite is bursting with a subtle zing of lemon and the warmth of fresh herbs. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint. Ready to dive in? Let’s make this dream dish a reality!

Why You’ll Love Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe isn’t just about delicious shrimp—it’s all about those perfectly balanced flavors that combine to create a dish that’s fresh, buttery, and full of zesty garlic goodness. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cook time, this dish comes together faster than you can say “seafood delight.” Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Full of Flavor

The garlic and butter in the sauce are the stars of the show, but the fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of parsley, and a touch of white wine add layers of bright, complex flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is always a hit. It’s rich, comforting, and feels fancy without the fuss. It’s one of those meals that’s guaranteed to impress!

Versatile

Serve it over linguine, rice, or just enjoy it on its own. Want to add some extra veggies? Toss in some spinach or asparagus to take this dish to the next level!

Ingredients

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make this Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi:

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best. You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
• Butter: This is a must! It adds richness to the sauce and gives you that creamy, dreamy texture.
• Olive oil: Just a bit to sauté the shrimp and garlic.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key! It adds that irresistible aromatic flavor that makes this dish so delicious.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the butter.
• White wine: A dry white wine, like Chardonnay, adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish and that touch of freshness.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch for a little bit of heat—totally optional, but it adds a nice kick.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, to bring everything together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking this delicious shrimp scampi!

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once it’s melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Wine and Lemon

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth, if using) and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Then, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp Back

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce, coating them evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb some of the delicious flavors from the sauce.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Season the shrimp scampi with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Finally, remove from heat and stir in some chopped parsley for that fresh burst of flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, either on its own or over a bed of linguine, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that glorious garlic butter sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Sodium: 610mg
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 34g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is versatile, and you can serve it in a variety of ways:

Over Pasta

The classic choice—serve it over linguine or any pasta of your choice. The pasta will absorb the buttery sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.

With Rice

For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will soak up all the garlic butter goodness.

With Crusty Bread

Don’t forget the bread! Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into that garlic butter sauce. It’s a must-have if you’re planning to enjoy every last drop of that sauce!

On Its Own

Want something lighter? Enjoy the shrimp scampi on its own as a main dish, paired with a side salad or steamed veggies for a fresh contrast.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp

While frozen shrimp works fine, fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that’s firm and has a sweet, briny smell.

Adjust the Garlic

If you’re a garlic lover (like me), feel free to add a little more garlic. It’ll only make the dish more fragrant and delicious!

Make It Ahead of Time

This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Add Veggies

Want to add some extra color and nutrients? Toss in some spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with the shrimp for a quick veggie boost.

Wine Substitute

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a great alternative. Just be sure to let it simmer to develop the flavors.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this without white wine?

A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

Q4: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

A4: While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Q5: Can I make this dish spicy?

A5: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or chili flakes to the sauce to give it a nice kick.

Q6: Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

A6: You can, but the butter really adds to the richness and flavor of this dish. Olive oil will give you a lighter version, but it won’t be as indulgent.

Q7: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A7: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep everything in advance—just cook the shrimp and store the sauce separately. Then, when ready to serve, reheat and toss them together.

Q8: What can I serve with this dish?

A8: Serve shrimp scampi with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A side salad or steamed veggies would also complement the dish perfectly.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?

A9: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to handle the extra shrimp!

Q10: Can I use smaller shrimp?

A10: Of course! Just be mindful of cooking time as smaller shrimp cook faster than larger shrimp.

Conclusion

This Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is everything you want in a seafood dish—simple, flavorful, and indulgent. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with your cooking skills. With its rich garlic butter sauce and succulent shrimp, this recipe will transport you straight to a cozy seaside restaurant. Enjoy every bite!

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