Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster: Recipe, Ingredients, and More

Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster, a dish synonymous with buttery garlic goodness and tender, succulent shrimp, is easier to recreate at home than you might think! Have you ever craved that classic Red Lobster flavor but wanted to skip the restaurant wait? I certainly have! This recipe brings the magic of their famous scampi right to your kitchen, allowing you to indulge in this seafood delight whenever the craving strikes.

While the exact origins of scampi are debated (with some tracing it back to Italy, where “scampi” refers to a specific type of crustacean), Red Lobster’s version has become a beloved American classic. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family dinners, special occasions, and that satisfying feeling of dipping warm bread into the flavorful sauce. The beauty of Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. The garlic-infused butter sauce coats the shrimp beautifully, creating a rich and decadent experience that’s hard to resist.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible – the combination of garlic, butter, white wine (optional, of course!), and perfectly cooked shrimp is a symphony of flavors. Second, the texture is divine – the tender shrimp and the smooth, luscious sauce create a delightful mouthfeel. Finally, it’s surprisingly convenient to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. So, let’s get cooking and bring that Red Lobster magic home!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparing the Shrimp:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our shrimp. Make sure they are fully thawed if you’re using frozen shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear later on. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!

1. Pat the shrimp dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the shrimp. This helps them brown nicely in the pan.
2. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! A little goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.

Cooking the Pasta:

While we’re dealing with the shrimp, let’s get the pasta going. We want it perfectly al dente, so it’s ready to soak up all that delicious scampi sauce.

1. Boil the water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. The salt is important – it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Cook the pasta: Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Reserve pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! We’ll use it to help create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
4. Drain the pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starch to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Making the Scampi Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – the scampi sauce! This is where all the magic happens. The combination of butter, garlic, wine, and lemon creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Make sure it doesn’t brown or burn.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This step is crucial for developing the flavor of the sauce.
4. Add chicken broth and lemon juice: Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer and reduce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has slightly reduced and thickened. This will concentrate the flavors.

Cooking the Shrimp:

Time to cook the shrimp! We want them perfectly pink and juicy, not overcooked and rubbery. The key is to cook them quickly over medium-high heat.

1. Add shrimp to the sauce: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Cook the shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
3. Remove from heat: Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.

Combining and Serving:

Almost there! Now we just need to combine everything and add the finishing touches. This is where we bring it all together for that perfect bite.

1. Add pasta to the sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
2. Toss to combine: Toss the pasta and shrimp in the sauce until everything is well coated.
3. Add pasta water (if needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a creamy consistency.
4. Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Season to taste: Taste the scampi and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve immediately: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi:

• Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor of the scampi.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use dry white wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, adds a bright acidity to the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your taste.

Variations:

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the scampi. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Use different types of pasta: While linguine is the traditional pasta for scampi, you can use other types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
• Add cream: For a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet after adding the pasta.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier dish.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme.

Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi! I hope you find this recipe as delicious and easy to follow as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another shrimp dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen in your very own kitchen. I truly believe this Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster inspired recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of restaurant-quality seafood without the restaurant price tag. The combination of succulent shrimp, bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce, and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a special occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While I’ve outlined the classic preparation, feel free to get creative and make it your own! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re watching your carb intake, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. You could even use it as a topping for grilled bread for a delicious appetizer.

Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster experience:

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a traditional and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and create a creamy texture.
* Garlic Bread Accompaniment: A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious scampi sauce.
* Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.
* Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of the shrimp and garlic beautifully.
* Lemon Wedge Garnish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity.

Variations to Explore:

* Creamy Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for an extra decadent and creamy version.
* Vegetable Boost: Incorporate some chopped vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers, for added nutrients and flavor.
* Spicy Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* Lemon Herb Scampi: Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, and extra lemon zest to the sauce for a bright and flavorful twist.
* Seafood Medley: Add other seafood, such as scallops or mussels, to create a more elaborate seafood scampi.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The aroma alone, as the garlic and butter sizzle in the pan, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal. I can’t wait to hear about your experience with this Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster inspired dish! Please, come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out and any variations you tried. Share your photos on social media and tag me – I’d love to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!