Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Make It at Home Like a Pro

If you love the flavors of garlicky, buttery shrimp paired with perfectly cooked pasta, Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe is a dish you’ll want to make at home. This restaurant favorite brings together tender shrimp, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and delicate pasta for a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or looking to impress guests, this step-by-step guide will help you recreate the magic of Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi right in your own kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi has been a staple at Olive Garden for years, loved for its rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with delicate pasta. This dish is an Italian-American take on the traditional scampi recipe, where shrimp are sautéed in a flavorful blend of garlic, white wine, butter, and lemon juice. Olive Garden adds its own signature touch by incorporating a light creaminess into the sauce and pairing it with angel hair pasta for a satisfying yet elegant meal. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors that keep guests coming back for more.

The origins of shrimp scampi trace back to Italy, where the dish was traditionally made with langoustines, a type of small lobster, cooked in a simple garlic and butter sauce. When Italian immigrants brought the recipe to America, they substituted shrimp, which was more readily available. Olive Garden’s version builds on this tradition by enhancing the sauce with additional depth from chicken broth, red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, and a touch of heavy cream to create a velvety texture. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet light enough for a satisfying meal without being overly heavy.

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Scampi

To prepare Olive Garden-style Shrimp Scampi, gather the following ingredients:

• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp provide the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
• Pasta: Angel hair pasta is ideal for its delicate texture, but fettuccine or linguine can also work if you prefer a heartier bite.
• Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning while giving the sauce a rich and creamy base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for an aromatic and flavorful sauce. Avoid garlic powder as it lacks the same depth.
• White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the sauce with acidity and complexity. If avoiding alcohol, substitute with additional chicken broth and a bit of white wine vinegar.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce and helps balance the richness of the butter and cream.
• Heavy Cream: A small amount of heavy cream creates a silky, luxurious texture in the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish with a subtle citrusy tang, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing shrimp, it adds a light, smooth richness without overpowering the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes provides a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor without making the dish too spicy.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness, complementing the garlic and lemon flavors in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, umami depth to the sauce, making it even more flavorful.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors throughout the dish.

Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes the cooking process smooth and ensures you achieve the best results with your homemade Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi.

How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at Home

Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a restaurant-quality dish.

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Choose fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them in cold water for about 15 minutes.
2. Peel and devein the shrimp, removing the tails if desired.
3. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Making the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
4. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, whisking until smooth.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer until thickened.

Assembling the Dish

1. Add shrimp to the sauce and cook until pink and opaque.
2. Toss in the cooked pasta, coating it thoroughly in the sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
• Let the white wine cook off to avoid a raw alcohol taste.
• Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and slightly firm.
• Adjust seasoning at the end for a balanced taste.

Variations and Customizations

Customize your Shrimp Scampi to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lower fat content.
• Opt for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-friendly version.

Adding More Flavor

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or capers for a tangy twist.
• Use fresh basil or thyme for an herby aroma.
• Enhance the sauce with a splash of white balsamic vinegar.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

A well-paired side dish can elevate your Shrimp Scampi experience. Here are some great options:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious buttery sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Broccoli: Light, healthy, and slightly crunchy, these vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese create a refreshing balance to the shrimp scampi’s savory flavors.
• Roasted Potatoes: If you prefer something heartier, roasted potatoes with herbs and olive oil add a satisfying crunch.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles make a great substitute for pasta while keeping the dish light.
• A Glass of Wine: A dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the garlic and butter flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• To enjoy your Shrimp Scampi later without losing its flavor and texture, follow these storage and reheating tips:
• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the dish in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or water to help revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
• Microwave Instructions: If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) and stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can become rubbery.
• Freezing Considerations: While shrimp scampi can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing. If freezing, store the shrimp separately from the pasta and sauce for better results.
• By following these tips, you can ensure your shrimp scampi tastes just as delicious the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

What is in the Shrimp Scampi at Olive Garden?
A: Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi features sautéed shrimp, angel hair pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. It’s garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

What is Olive Garden Scampi Sauce made of?
A: The scampi sauce at Olive Garden is a creamy blend of butter, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a flavorful, slightly tangy sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and pasta.

What is the sauce of Shrimp Scampi made of?
A: Traditional Shrimp Scampi sauce includes butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and broth, sometimes thickened with a bit of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. Olive Garden’s version has a slightly creamy texture for extra richness.

Is Shrimp Scampi from Olive Garden healthy?
A: While delicious, Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi is relatively high in calories and fat due to the butter and cream. However, you can make a lighter version at home by using whole wheat pasta, reducing the butter, or substituting half-and-half for heavy cream.

Conclusion

Making Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that rivals the one served at the restaurant. By using a few key cooking techniques such as sautéing the shrimp to perfection and making a garlic butter sauce, you’ll be able to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen. This Shrimp Scampi is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party. Try it out, and you’ll be savoring a delicious, homemade seafood dish in no time!

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