If you’ve ever craved that irresistible, garlicky, buttery seafood dish from your favorite restaurant, you’re in for a treat! The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a showstopper that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your own kitchen in just 20 minutes. Imagine juicy shrimp bathed in a savory lemon-garlic butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley—pure magic on a plate. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or looking to impress a table full of friends, this dish is destined to become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi so special? It’s all about a handful of straightforward, vibrant ingredients that come together to create something truly greater than the sum of its parts. Each one brings something unique, from the richness of butter to the zing of lemon and the gentle heat of red pepper flakes.
- Large Shrimp (1 pound): Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience—tails on add flair, but are optional!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A splash of olive oil helps create a silky sauce base and adds a touch of fruity flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Butter is the backbone of that luscious, restaurant-style scampi sauce.
- Garlic, Minced (6 cloves): Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic delivers that signature punch and aroma.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Wine adds depth and a little acidity, while broth keeps it family-friendly.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens every bite and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick, these bring a gentle heat.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to make the flavors pop.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle layer of warmth and spice.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Freshly grated is best for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): The finishing touch for color, freshness, and a hint of earthiness.
- Cooked Pasta or Crusty Bread (for serving): You’ll want something to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute—just until it becomes fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can quickly go from perfect to bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Give them 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn that telltale pink and become opaque. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so keep a close eye! Once they’re cooked through, transfer them to a plate and set aside—you’ll be inviting them back to the party in just a bit.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
With the shrimp resting, it’s time to pour in the white wine or chicken broth and the lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits left on the bottom of the pan—those are pure flavor gold! Stir in the remaining butter, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and become glossy and rich.
Step 4: Return the Shrimp and Finish
Now, return your cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce, making sure every piece gets beautifully coated. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and give everything a final toss. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and more luxurious. Finish with a generous shower of chopped parsley for freshness and color.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is ready to be devoured! Serve it immediately, either heaped over a bed of your favorite pasta or alongside warm, crusty bread that’s perfect for soaking up every drop of that delectable sauce. Don’t wait—this dish is at its absolute best served hot and fresh!
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese transform your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi from delicious to dazzling. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a final squeeze of brightness. If you like a little more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This scampi shines brightest with simple sides that mop up the sauce. Think tender strands of linguine or angel hair pasta, or a basket of crusty, golden bread. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette beautifully balances the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is endlessly versatile. Pile it high over creamy risotto for a dinner-party-worthy presentation, or spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. For a cozy, casual meal, serve it family-style straight from the skillet and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. The shrimp will continue to soak up that luscious sauce, making for an even more intense flavor the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Place cooled scampi in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Just keep in mind that the texture of shrimp can change slightly after freezing, but the flavors of Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will still hit the spot when you’re craving a quick seafood fix.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become tough. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and prevents the sauce from getting watery.
What’s the best wine to use in the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully, adding just the right amount of brightness to complement the garlic butter. If you prefer, a good-quality chicken broth is a wonderful non-alcoholic substitute.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese. The result won’t be exactly the same as the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, but it will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I add vegetables to the scampi?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini ribbons make wonderful additions, adding color and a bit of extra nutrition to the dish. Just toss them in with the sauce before returning the shrimp to the pan.
How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
The key is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan right away and add them back in at the end to coat them in the sauce without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a reservation to enjoy the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi—just a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of kitchen magic. Give this recipe a try the next time you want something truly special yet wonderfully simple. I promise, your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent sautéed shrimp in a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and elegant seafood dinner, it can be served over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that mimics the popular restaurant classic.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat the base: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently to coat with the sauce evenly.
- Add cheese and garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Give it a final toss to incorporate the cheese before serving.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi hot over your choice of cooked pasta or alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the shrimp back to the pan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- This dish comes together quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without pasta or bread)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
