Shrimp scampi has become a beloved dish across the world, and one place it stands out is at Red Lobster. Known for its rich, buttery sauce and tender shrimp, this recipe captures the essence of the restaurant’s famous offering, bringing it right into your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner, planning a special family meal, or simply craving a comforting seafood dish, this shrimp scampi recipe will elevate any occasion.

Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of garlic and butter fills the air as you prepare a mouthwatering seafood feast. The rich, succulent shrimp paired with a tangy lemon butter sauce is sure to impress, no matter the reason for the celebration. Inspired by the flavors of Red Lobster, this homemade version makes it easy to recreate that restaurant experience and enjoy a luxurious meal right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

If you’re a fan of shrimp, garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon, then this shrimp scampi recipe is tailor-made for your taste buds. The combination of juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce is unbeatable, especially when you add the tang of fresh lemon and the savory punch of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or an intimate gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a dish that feels like a gourmet meal. The recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, so it’s perfect for those days when you want a flavorful dinner but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Shrimp Scampi

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this classic dish. Most of them are likely already in your kitchen, making it easy to create this mouthwatering shrimp scampi at any time.

Main Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience, ensuring that the shrimp are tender and ready to soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of the sauce, providing that rich, velvety texture that makes shrimp scampi so indulgent.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star of this recipe, infusing the butter with a fragrant, savory aroma.
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce. White wine is traditional, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works wonderfully.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: The citrusy kick that balances the richness of the butter and adds brightness to the dish.
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes give the dish a subtle spicy kick.
1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: To taste, these simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of salty, umami flavor that melts perfectly into the sauce.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Lemon wedges: For serving, these wedges are perfect for squeezing over the dish just before eating.

Optional Side Pairings:

This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as:

Pasta: A classic pairing, spaghetti or linguine can be tossed with the scampi sauce for a more substantial meal.
Rice: Simple steamed rice helps soak up the flavorful sauce.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up any remaining garlic butter sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! This shrimp scampi recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t take much time, but the results are nothing short of spectacular.

1. Cook the Shrimp

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t brown. The garlic should become fragrant, creating the perfect base for the sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic—this can lead to a bitter flavor in the dish.

2. Add the Shrimp

Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they curl up and turn a nice coral color. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

3. Prepare the Sauce

With the shrimp cooked, pour in white wine (or chicken broth if you’re using that instead). Add the fresh lemon juice and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. The wine or broth will help deglaze the pan, lifting up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This is the secret to a rich, savory sauce that envelops the shrimp.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

Once the sauce has simmered and reduced slightly, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it melts and combines with the butter, creating a creamy, luxurious texture. The sauce should now be thick, glossy, and packed with flavor.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish, and be sure to pour any remaining sauce over the shrimp. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests (or yourself) to squeeze a bit of extra lemon over the top for an added burst of citrus flavor.

This dish is best served immediately while it’s still hot. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or bread, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

To make sure your shrimp scampi turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. If you do use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be mindful of how long you cook them. Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery, which can ruin the dish. Keep an eye on the shrimp and take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Customize the Heat: If you prefer your shrimp scampi with a little extra spice, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper. If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences, it’s better to keep the heat mild and allow guests to add more spice to taste.
Use Good Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly into the sauce and provide a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Is So Special

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, buttery dish, and this shrimp scampi has all the right elements to make it unforgettable. The tender shrimp combined with the garlic butter sauce is a match made in heaven, and the added Parmesan cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s both savory and satisfying.

This recipe also stands out because it’s so versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, or even enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this shrimp scampi recipe is easy enough to make, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday gathering.

Conclusion: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi in the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, tangy lemon, and savory Parmesan cheese is a winning formula that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for seafood, skip the takeout and treat yourself to this restaurant-quality dish. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Shrimp scampi is a beloved dish that brings the rich, buttery flavors of garlic and shrimp together in one delicious bite. This homemade version of the famous Red Lobster dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering. With tender shrimp, a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and a touch of lemon, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your seafood cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

This shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
You can substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes