Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

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Introduction

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a rich, flavorful dish that brings together perfectly cooked shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter in a deliciously comforting sauce. The tender shrimp are sautéed to perfection and coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce that’s brightened with a splash of lemon. The dish is served over a bed of pasta, allowing the flavors to meld together in each bite, making it both indulgent and satisfying.

This dish holds a special place in my heart because of the memories it brings. I first had it during a special dinner out with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. The moment you take that first bite, the combination of buttery shrimp, zesty lemon, and garlic is so rich and savory—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The pasta soaks up all that delicious sauce, and every bite is packed with flavor.

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and you can’t go wrong with the balance of savory garlic butter and fresh shrimp. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to dip into the sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as it is mouthwatering. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy yet elegant, this Shrimp Scampi is the one to make!

Perfect for:

• Special dinners or date nights
• Seafood lovers
• Quick weeknight meals
• Comfort food cravings
• Pasta and shrimp lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Elegant – A restaurant-quality dish made easily at home.
• Full of Flavor – A garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Seafood Delight – Juicy shrimp paired with a rich, savory sauce.
• Customizable – Add extra veggies or spice it up with a bit of heat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-550 calories

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pasta

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• Salt, for pasta water

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp – Sweet and tender, shrimp is the star of this dish.
• Garlic & Lemon – Provide bold flavor and freshness, enhancing the overall taste.
• Butter – The rich base of the sauce, adding smoothness and depth.
• Parsley – Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional heat for those who enjoy a little spice.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Cook the Shrimp

2. Sauté the Shrimp – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

3. Sauté Garlic – In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Liquids – Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Simmer the Sauce – Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Combine and Serve

6. Toss the Pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
7. Add Shrimp – Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the pasta and sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• With a Side Salad – A light, crisp salad pairs well with the richness of the shrimp scampi.
• With Garlic Bread – Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• In Individual Bowls – For a more refined presentation, plate the shrimp scampi in individual bowls.
• As a Casserole – If you prefer a baked version, transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender and juicy.
• Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp offers the best texture and flavor, though frozen shrimp works well if thawed properly.
• Adjust the Heat – If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use High-Quality Butter – The butter is the base of the sauce, so use a high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• Make it a One-Pan Meal – For easy cleanup, cook the pasta and shrimp together in the same pan by adding the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Veggies – Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added flavor and color.
2. Spicy Shrimp Scampi – Add extra red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chili for a spicier dish.
3. Creamy Shrimp Scampi – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamy sauce.
4. Cajun Shrimp Scampi – Add Cajun seasoning for a flavorful twist.
5. Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi – Swap out parsley for fresh basil for a fragrant, herby variation.
6. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi – Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
7. Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
8. Zucchini Noodles – Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.
9. Shrimp Scampi with Pesto – Stir in some basil pesto for a new depth of flavor.
10. Add White Wine – If you prefer a slightly more complex flavor, you can replace the broth with white wine.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dish – Shrimp scampi doesn’t freeze well due to the texture of the shrimp. However, you can freeze the garlic butter sauce and shrimp separately for up to 2 months. Reheat the sauce gently and add fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Storing Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment

1. Large Skillet – A heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
2. Pasta Pot – A large pot for boiling the pasta.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise measurements of ingredients.
4. Garlic Press – For easily mincing garlic.
5. Tongs – Useful for tossing the pasta and shrimp together.
6. Zester – For fresh lemon zest.
7. Colander – To drain the pasta.
8. Serving Platters – To serve the shrimp scampi beautifully.
9. Wooden Spoon – To stir the sauce without scratching the skillet.
10. Lemon Juicer – To easily extract juice from lemons.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as you thaw it properly before cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   The dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
3. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
   Vegetable broth or even water can be used as an alternative to chicken broth.
4. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
   You can add more red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a truly irresistible dish that brings together succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a burst of citrus, making every bite a flavorful experience. The perfectly cooked shrimp are bathed in a decadent sauce, and when paired with a side of buttery, garlicky pasta or warm bread, it becomes the perfect comfort food.

What sets this dish apart is the balance of flavors: the savory richness of the garlic butter, the hint of lemony brightness, and the depth of the seasoning all work in harmony to create a truly unforgettable meal. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.

I highly recommend giving this dish a try—once you do, you’ll see why it’s a classic. Be sure to share your experience and let me know how it turned out—I’m eager to hear how you enjoy this delightful dish! Happy cooking!