Few dishes are as quick, elegant, and satisfying as a perfectly executed shrimp scampi, and Carrabba’s gives you it all!
The richness of butter and olive oil combined with shrimp is simply irresistible when prepared right.
One thing I’ve learned is to always use a high-quality white wine for the sauce—it truly enhances the entire dish.
The garlic and red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick, but they won’t overpower the delicate shrimp.
Pair this dish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley to add a finishing touch!
How to Make Carrabba’s Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup White Wine
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 2 tbsp Italian Parsley (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp, making sure they’re spread out evenly in the pan.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes.
Step 2:
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp.
Stir and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Be sure not to let the garlic burn, as this can create a bitter taste.
Step 3:
Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
This will help deglaze the skillet and infuse the shrimp with flavor.
Add the lemon juice at this step to brighten the dish.
Step 4:
Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet.
Let it melt slowly, stirring continuously to create a rich sauce.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
Sprinkle chopped Italian parsley over the shrimp and sauce.
Give everything a final stir to mix the parsley evenly.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Shrimp
Fresh shrimp will always give you the best results for this dish, providing a sweet and tender texture.
If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp are also perfectly suitable for this recipe.
Adjust Garlic to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to match your personal preferences for flavor intensity.
If you’re a garlic enthusiast, add an extra clove or two.
Choose the Right Wine
A good-quality dry white wine will enhance the flavor of your shrimp scampi significantly.
Consider using wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for their crisp and light flavors.
Balance the Lemon Juice
The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted depending on how tangy you like your dish to be.
Start with a smaller quantity, and add more lemon juice after tasting the sauce.
What to Serve with Carrabba’s Shrimp Scampi
Lemon Roasted Asparagus
You can’t go wrong with roasted asparagus!
This vegetable pairs well with the rich flavors of shrimp scampi.
Adding a squeeze of lemon brings out the earthy taste.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side that complements shrimp scampi wonderfully.
The buttery, garlic-infused flavor lets you soak up the delicious sauce.
Parmesan Risotto
A creamy and cheesy parmesan risotto adds a comforting touch to your meal.
Its texture and flavors harmonize beautifully with shrimp scampi’s zesty sauce.
Quinoa Kale Salad
Try serving a quinoa kale salad for a nutritious twist.
The freshness of kale and the nutty taste of quinoa add a healthy element that balances the richness of scampi.
Caprese Salad
A caprese salad can offer a burst of freshness with its juicy tomatoes and mozzarella.
Basil adds fragrance, balancing well with the scampi’s garlic butter.
Variations and Substitutions
Pepper Flakes
You can add a touch of heat to your shrimp scampi with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Parsley
Substituting parsley with fresh basil can give an aromatic twist to your dish.
Heavy Cream
For a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end.
Pre Cooked Shrimp
Using pre-cooked shrimp can save time, just be careful not to overcook them.
Garlic
If you love garlic, extra cloves can be added to suit your taste.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Gluten Free
Try using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter version of shrimp scampi.
Non Alcoholic Option
For a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works well as a substitute for white wine.
Olive Oil
Using olive oil instead of butter can contribute to a healthier sauce without sacrificing flavor.
Remember, you can always adjust these ingredients to best fit your dietary needs and preferences!
How to Store Leftover Carrabba’s Shrimp Scampi
Storing your shrimp scampi properly is essential to keep it tasting fresh and safe for later!
One thing I always recommend is to store shrimp scampi in an airtight container to keep it fragrant and good.
Place the shrimp scampi in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within two days.
Refrigerate for Short Storage
If you’re just thinking of having leftovers for a quick lunch, the fridge is perfect.
Remember, it’s best consumed within two days for optimal flavor.
This prevents any unwanted textures from developing.
Freezing for Longer Storage
You can freeze it if you want to keep your shrimp scampi longer.
Be sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Label the date on the container, so you remember when you prepared it.
Maintain Taste and Texture
Keeping texture in place is important when storing leftovers.
Try to separate the sauce from the shrimp if you can.
This simple trick helps maintain the health of the shrimp.
Make sure everything is cooled before sealing it in containers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
You don’t want rubbery shrimp, so timing is crucial.
Cook them until they’re just pink and no longer translucent.
Keep an eye on them – it only takes a couple of minutes!
Skipping the Garlic
Garlic is key in shrimp scampi!
If you skimp on it or cook it too long, you lose that wonderful aromatic flavor.
Add it just before the shrimp is done for the best result.
Using Low-quality Ingredients
Quality matters!
Fresh shrimp and good olive oil make a big difference.
The simplest ingredients need to be the best, so don’t hesitate to invest a little more for better taste.

Carrabba's Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup White Wine
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 2 tbsp Italian Parsley chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp, making sure they're spread out evenly in the pan.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp.
- Stir and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Be sure not to let the garlic burn, as this can create a bitter taste.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- This will help deglaze the skillet and infuse the shrimp with flavor.
- Add the lemon juice at this step to brighten the dish.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet.
- Let it melt slowly, stirring continuously to create a rich sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle chopped Italian parsley over the shrimp and sauce.
- Give everything a final stir to mix the parsley evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot.
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