Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Recipe

I’ve been perfecting the Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi at home, and it’s a dish that always seems to transport me straight to the restaurant’s bustling ambiance.

I pay close attention to the shrimp, sautéing them just until they’re pink and succulent – timing is everything.

The rich garlic butter sauce, with its splash of white wine, clings to the shrimp and pasta, making every forkful a delight.

I love this recipe for its elegant yet easy approach to a classic favorite.

A little chef’s note:

Always use fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce – it makes all the difference!

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients List

• 1-2 lb fresh jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• Olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 lb angel hair pasta

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Start by preparing the shrimp.

Rinse the raw shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Place the shrimp in a bowl with 2 tbsp milk and let them soak briefly.

In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and some Parmesan cheese.

Step 2

Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well coated.

Set aside on a plate.

In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté until lightly golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3

Fry the shrimp.

Add the shrimp to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they’re no longer translucent and have a nice golden crust.

Once all the shrimp are cooked, set them aside on a plate and keep them warm.

In the same skillet with the garlic, pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Bring the wine to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces.

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add 1 pint of heavy cream to the pan, stirring constantly.

Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Add the diced tomatoes, remaining grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice to the sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

In the meantime, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Finally, add the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce, gently tossing to coat.

Serve the shrimp scampi over the cooked angel hair pasta, and enjoy your delicious Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi.

Side Dishes For Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

While enjoying Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi, carefully crafted with a mixture of shallot, heavy cream, white wine, olive oil, basil, parmesan cheese, flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, you can enhance your dining experience by pairing it with a few delightful side dishes.

Here are some carefully selected options that harmonize well with shrimp scampi.

Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Lemon-roasted asparagus is a stellar side dish complementing the rich flavors of seafood.

To prepare, toss asparagus in olive oil, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese, then season with a teaspoon of salt.

Roast in the oven until tender, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest.

The crunch and earthy taste of the asparagus, along with the lemon’s tangy flavor, make it an excellent pairing with shrimp scampi.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that pairs harmoniously with the strong flavors found in shrimp scampi recipes.

To prepare, spread a mixture of butter, 6-8 whole garlic cloves, and grated parmesan cheese onto your favorite bread and toast until crispy.

The crispy texture and savory taste of garlic bread add a delightful contrast to the shrimp scampi’s creamy sauce.

Choose any of these options to make your dining experience even more enjoyable.

Ingredients Substitutes

You might not always have the exact ingredients at hand, or you may want to try alternative options for health or dietary reasons.

Here are some possible substitutes you can consider using in place of the designated ingredients

White Wine substitutes 

If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even white grape juice.

Both alternatives will maintain a similar acidity and flavor profile to white wine without the alcohol content.

For a more complex taste, add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the substitute.

Heavy Cream substitutes 

In case you’re looking for a lower-fat option or simply don’t have heavy cream available, you can use milk (whole or skim) combined with melted butter.

For every cup of heavy cream required, use 1/4 cup of melted butter and 3/4 cup of milk.

Garlic Cloves substitutes 

In case you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, you can use minced garlic or garlic paste.

One teaspoon of either substitute equals approximately one fresh garlic clove.

How to Store Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

Storing your Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi properly is crucial for maintaining its freshness, taste, and quality.

To store the shrimp scampi, follow these essential steps:

Before storing your Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi, let it cool down to room temperature.

Do not leave it out for more than two hours to avoid the growth of bacteria affecting the dish’s taste and safety.

Using Airtight Containers:

The ideal method for storing your shrimp scampi is to place it in airtight containers.

These containers help preserve the dish’s flavors and prevent it from getting contaminated by other odors or food particles.

Divide the shrimp scampi into smaller portions and transfer each portion into an airtight container.

Make sure to secure the lid tightly, then place the containers in the refrigerator.

Your shrimp scampi will last for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Reheating Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi:

When it’s time to enjoy your Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi again, reheat it properly for the best taste and texture.

Remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating.

To reheat, warm a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp scampi and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the shrimp are tender.

If needed, you can add a splash of water or white wine to help loosen the sauce during the heating process.

Enjoy your shrimp scampi with a side of pasta or over a bed of rice.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi remains delicious and fresh, allowing you to enjoy your leftovers just as much as when you first made the dish.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Overcooking the pasta

It’s essential to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the Scampi Cream Sauce.

Use a large pasta pot, season the boiling water generously with salt, and follow the package instructions to ensure the perfect texture for your angel hair pasta.

Not seasoning the shrimp properly

Shrimp scampi recipes call for well-seasoned shrimp to impart rich flavors.

Before cooking, marinate the shrimp in a blend of seasonings, including a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest, tsp lemon pepper, and salt.

This will help to enhance the taste of your dish.

Overcooking the shrimp

Achieving crispy shrimp is the goal of the Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi.

To do this, ensure your nonstick skillet is hot before adding the shrimp.

Cook the shrimp for a few minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in tough and rubbery shrimp.