If you love Red Lobster’s famous Shrimp Scampi, you’re in for a treat! This dish is a restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home in just 20 minutes. Featuring plump shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, buttery, and lemony white wine sauce, it’s a seafood lover’s dream.
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you’re craving a taste of Red Lobster at home. Serve it over linguine, angel hair pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ The history and origins of shrimp scampi.
✔ Key ingredients for making an authentic Red Lobster-style version.
✔ A step-by-step recipe to recreate it at home.
✔ Variations and side dish pairings for a complete meal.
✔ Common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
The Origins of Shrimp Scampi
Italian and American Influences
Shrimp Scampi is a dish with Italian-American roots, inspired by the traditional Italian dish Scampi alla Griglia. In Italy, “scampi” refers to langoustines (Norway lobsters), which are small, lobster-like shellfish cooked with garlic, butter, and white wine.
When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States, they couldn’t find langoustines, so they substituted shrimp while keeping the same rich, garlicky sauce. Over time, this dish became known as Shrimp Scampi, a name that combines both the ingredient (shrimp) and cooking style (scampi sauce).
Key Ingredients of Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi
To recreate Red Lobster’s famous Shrimp Scampi, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering the buttery, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
1. Shrimp – The Star Ingredient
✔ Large shrimp (16-20 count) – Juicy, meaty, and perfect for sautéing.
✔ Peeled and deveined – Saves time and ensures a clean bite.
✔ Tails on or off? It’s up to you! Keeping the tails adds presentation, but removing them makes eating easier.
🔹 Substitutes: Scallops, lobster, or even chicken if you prefer a different protein.
2. Garlic – The Flavor Booster
✔ Fresh garlic, minced – Essential for that signature scampi taste.
✔ Don’t burn it! Garlic should be sautéed just until fragrant.
🔹 Substitutes: Garlic powder (not recommended, but use in a pinch).
3. Butter – The Richness Factor
✔ Unsalted butter – Allows better control over the dish’s saltiness.
✔ Used for both sautéing and finishing to add richness.
🔹 Substitutes: Olive oil or a mix of butter and oil for a lighter version.
4. White Wine – The Secret to Restaurant-Style Scampi
✔ Dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) adds depth and acidity.
✔ Alcohol burns off, leaving behind a tangy, slightly fruity flavor.
🔹 Substitutes: Chicken broth or seafood stock for a non-alcoholic version.
5. Lemon Juice – The Brightness
✔ Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.
✔ Lemon zest (optional) intensifies the citrusy flavor.
🔹 Substitutes: White wine vinegar or a splash of orange juice for a different twist.
6. Seasonings & Garnishes
✔ Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a mild heat (optional).
✔ Salt & black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor.
✔ Fresh parsley – Brings color and freshness to the dish.
✔ Parmesan cheese (optional) – Not traditional, but some love it for extra richness.
7. Pasta or Bread – The Perfect Pairing
✔ Linguine or angel hair pasta – Classic choices that soak up the sauce beautifully.
✔ Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the garlicky, buttery goodness.
🔹 Substitutes: Rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
How to Make Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi at Home
Now that we have all the key ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step recipe to make Red Lobster-style Shrimp Scampi at home. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Serving:
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
- Crusty bread for dipping
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear better.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
✔ Pro Tip: Dry shrimp sear better than wet shrimp, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
✔ Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they should be just pink and firm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp butter.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and Italian seasoning, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
✔ Pro Tip: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use chicken broth or seafood stock instead of wine.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
✔ Pro Tip: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at this stage.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
✔ Over Pasta: Toss with cooked linguine or angel hair pasta.
✔ With Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
✔ Garnish: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (optional) and extra parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi
Use fresh shrimp for the best texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry completely.
Don’t overcook shrimp—they should be just pink and tender.
Choose a dry white wine—sweet wines will overpower the dish.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy scampi sauce.
Variations of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Now that you know how to make classic Red Lobster-style Shrimp Scampi, let’s explore some delicious variations to customize the dish based on your taste and dietary preferences.
1. Spicy Shrimp Scampi
✔ Add extra red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño for more heat.
✔ Stir in 1 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick.
✔ Serve with spicy garlic bread or chili-infused olive oil.
Best for: Those who love bold, fiery flavors!
2. Creamy Shrimp Scampi
✔ Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a rich, velvety sauce.
✔ Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creaminess.
✔ Perfect for serving over fettuccine or pappardelle.
Best for: Fans of creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo!
3. Low-Carb & Keto Shrimp Scampi
✔ Swap pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
✔ Use bone broth instead of wine for extra protein.
✔ Serve over steamed cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
Best for: Those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is rich, buttery, and garlicky, so it pairs well with light, fresh, and slightly acidic side dishes. Here are some of the best side dishes to complete your meal!
1. Pasta – The Classic Pairing
✔ Linguine, angel hair, or spaghetti – Perfect for soaking up the buttery garlic sauce.
✔ Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta – A healthier alternative.
✔ Toss the pasta with extra olive oil and Parmesan for added flavor.
Best for: Those who love a restaurant-style scampi pasta!
2. Crusty Garlic Bread
✔ French baguette or Italian ciabatta toasted with garlic butter and herbs.
✔ Perfect for dipping into the scampi sauce.
✔ Try cheesy garlic bread for an indulgent twist.
Best for: Bread lovers who can’t resist a good garlic-butter dip!
🔹 Find out more about Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew.
3. Light & Fresh Salads
✔ Caesar salad – Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing.
✔ Arugula & lemon salad – Peppery greens with a citrusy vinaigrette.
✔ Caprese salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with balsamic glaze.
Best for: A fresh contrast to the rich shrimp scampi sauce!
FAQs About Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi
1. Can I make Shrimp Scampi without wine?
Yes! Substitute chicken broth, seafood stock, or lemon juice for wine. You’ll still get great flavor without alcohol.
2. What’s the best shrimp to use for Scampi?
Use large (16-20 count) fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking.
3. Can I make Shrimp Scampi ahead of time?
Shrimp is best freshly cooked, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before adding shrimp.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat in a pan with a splash of broth. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
5. What’s the best pasta for Shrimp Scampi?
Linguine and angel hair pasta are classic choices, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work well.
6. Can I make Shrimp Scampi creamy?
Yes! Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan for a rich, creamy version.
7. What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer longer to reduce or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Conclusion
Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi is a quick, easy, and restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. With its buttery garlic sauce, fresh shrimp, and zesty lemon kick, it’s a perfect meal for weeknights or special occasions.
By following this guide, you now know:
✔ The history behind Shrimp Scampi.
✔ The key ingredients to achieve Red Lobster-style flavor.
✔ A step-by-step recipe for making it at home.
✔ Variations, side dishes, and common mistakes to avoid.
Now, grab some shrimp, garlic, and butter, and get cooking! Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi!
Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp 16-20 count, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon juice of, plus extra wedges for serving
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Serving Options
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta cooked al dente
- crusty bread for dipping
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and Italian seasoning, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve over cooked pasta or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley, Parmesan cheese (optional), and lemon wedges.