Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi! This dish has captured the hearts of seafood lovers everywhere, and for good reason. Picture perfectly tender shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, all served over al dente pasta. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and indulgent, making it a must-try for any occasion. I mean, who doesn’t want a plate of buttery, garlicky shrimp dancing on their palate? It’s so easy to whip up at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered going out! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen lineup. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (the fresher, the better for that sweet, succulent flavor!)
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, because we want to control that saltiness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key—get ready for that beautiful aroma!)
- 1/4 cup white wine (something you’d love to sip on, like a nice Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s flavorful)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for that bright zing)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust this based on your heat preference; I love a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season! It makes all the difference)
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (cook it al dente for that perfect bite)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (for that pop of color and fresh taste)
How to Prepare the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish! It’s all about getting that perfect garlic butter sauce to coat your tender shrimp and pasta just right. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be in shrimp scampi heaven in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to give it a stir occasionally! Once it’s done, drain the pasta but make sure to set it aside; we’ll need it later to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Sautéing the Shrimp
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—the shrimp! In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, it’s time to add the shrimp! Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque—such a beautiful sight!
Creating the Sauce
Next up, pour in the white wine and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to let those flavors meld. Then, add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes to the mix. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste! This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell divine!
Combining Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Use tongs or a large fork to mix everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta is coated with that lovely sauce. It’s like a cozy hug for your pasta!
Final Touches
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it up hot, maybe with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad, and watch everyone dig in with smiles on their faces. You’ve totally nailed it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously rich flavors that bring the taste of Red Lobster right to your home.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
- Impressive enough to wow your guests, but simple enough for a cozy family meal.
- Customizable heat level with red pepper flakes—make it as spicy as you like!
- Pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Gluten-free option available by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day—if you can resist eating it all at once!
Tips for Success
- Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp when possible. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on those shrimp! They cook quickly and turn rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready to come off the heat.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning is key to bringing out all those delicious flavors. Taste as you go to get it just right.
- Wine Selection: Choose a white wine that you enjoy drinking. The better the wine, the better the sauce will taste. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon zest or a pinch of Italian seasoning to the sauce. It’ll elevate your dish to the next level!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh and hot. The pasta will soak up the sauce as it sits, so make sure to plate it right after mixing for that perfect creamy texture.
- Garnish with Love: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Don’t skip this step—it’s the finishing touch that makes it look restaurant-worthy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But this gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is not only a delightful treat but also a satisfying meal that packs a punch of protein and flavor. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re indulging in a delicious and balanced dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. Fresh shrimp is ideal for the best flavor, but frozen will still work well if that’s what you have on hand.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices for shrimp scampi, but feel free to use any pasta you love! Just keep in mind that cooking time might vary a little depending on the pasta shape.
Can I make shrimp scampi in advance?
I recommend enjoying shrimp scampi fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Is shrimp scampi gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like chicken broth and white wine, are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some warm garlic bread. It’s great for soaking up that delicious garlic butter sauce!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this incredible famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi, and now you have some leftovers (if you can resist eating it all at once!). Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious creation without losing that fabulous flavor and texture.
First, let the shrimp scampi cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep fresh for about 2 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when you made it—trust me, you’ll want to enjoy it again soon!
When it comes time to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent the shrimp from overcooking and turning rubbery. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra butter to keep everything nice and moist. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use the microwave, but be careful! Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it warms evenly.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi will be just as delicious the second time around. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: 5 Steps to Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This dish features shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with the shrimp sauce.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
- Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: red lobster shrimp scampi, shrimp scampi recipe, seafood pasta