Craving a restaurant-quality Olive Garden shrimp scampi at home?
You’re in luck!
This recipe is quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
One important piece of advice: don’t overcook the shrimp.
Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
I love this dish because it’s packed with flavor from the garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, and the addition of asparagus and tomatoes adds a nice pop of color and freshness.
Use fresh garlic and good-quality white wine to make the sauce shine!
How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp (medium, raw, deveined)
- 1 lb Angel Hair Pasta
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Lemon (juiced)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2:
Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes.
Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 3:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic.
Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5:
Add the white wine and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6:
Add the butter and lemon juice, stirring until the butter is melted.
Step 7:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce seems dry.
Step 8:
Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Opt for Fresh Lemon Juice
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
Use Quality Parmesan Cheese
Grate your own Parmesan cheese for a richer taste and creamier texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
Save Pasta Water
Saved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
Serve Immediately
For the best flavor and texture, serve the shrimp scampi right after it’s made.
Enjoy making this delightful recipe at home!
What to Serve with Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus with a zesty lemon twist makes an excellent pairing with shrimp scampi.
The acidity complements the richness of the scampi sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile.
It’s a simple yet elegant side that brings out the best in the shrimp.
Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with a classic like garlic bread.
The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the scampi.
Plus, it’s easy to make and always a favorite.
Sauteed Spinach
For a light and nutritious option, try sauteed spinach.
A quick saute with a bit of garlic and olive oil creates a flavorful, healthy side.
The mild taste won’t overpower the shrimp scampi.
Caprese Salad
For a refreshing and slightly unexpected side, consider a Caprese salad.
The fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich shrimp scampi.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Roasted Butternut Squash
For something different, roasted butternut squash with sage and parmesan is a great choice.
The sweet and savory flavors complement the shrimp scampi in a delightful way.
It’s an unexpected but delicious side dish.
Variations and Substitutions
You can use different types of pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti instead of traditional angel hair pasta.
Swap shrimp with scallops or chicken if you prefer a different protein while keeping the flavors delightful.
Gluten-Free Options
Try gluten-free pasta if you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free.
Rice or zucchini noodles are also a fantastic low-carb substitute.
Veggie Lovers
Add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a nutrient boost and extra color.
Cherry tomatoes can add a fresh, juicy burst to the dish.
Dairy Alternatives
Use ghee or margarine in place of butter, which can cater to dairy-free diets.
Coconut milk or almond milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter, dairy-free sauce.
Experiment with these substitutions to create the perfect shrimp scampi that suits your taste and dietary needs!
How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Cool Completely Before Storing
Make sure the shrimp scampi cools completely to room temperature before storing it.
This helps to prevent moisture buildup in the container, which can lead to soggy noodles or shrimp.
I recommend allowing it to cool on the stovetop or countertop for at least 20 minutes.
Use Airtight Containers
Transfer the cooled shrimp scampi to an airtight container.
This will help maintain freshness and keep the flavors intact.
Make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
Label and Date
It’s a good idea to label the container with the date.
You don’t want to forget how long it’s been sitting in the fridge!
This helps you keep track of freshness for optimal taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture.
You want your shrimp to be barely opaque and pink, which usually takes only 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan.
Keep an eye on them, and remove them promptly once they are done!
Using Less Butter or Oil
Don’t skimp on the butter and olive oil—you need both to create the rich and luscious scampi sauce.
Substituting or reducing these ingredients can result in a less flavorful dish.
Balance is key for that perfect mouthfeel and taste!
Neglecting the Pasta Water
Save a half-cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it cling better and taste more harmonious.
Without it, you might end up with a watery sauce that doesn’t coat your angel hair well.
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- 1 lb Shrimp medium, raw, deveined
- 1 lb Angel Hair Pasta
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup Parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic.
- Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the white wine and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the butter and lemon juice, stirring until the butter is melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
- Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce seems dry.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
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