Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Jump to Recipe
Print Recipe

If there’s one dish that instantly transports me to a cozy seaside booth with the salty breeze wafting in and a warm buttery aroma hanging in the air—it’s shrimp scampi. And not just any shrimp scampi… I’m talking about the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi that made me fall head over heels for garlic, butter, and seafood all over again. I’ve taken that iconic restaurant favorite and recreated it right in my own kitchen—pan-sizzling garlic, white wine perfume, plump shrimp kissed with citrus—it’s the real deal. If you’ve ever wanted to impress your guests or treat yourself to a 5-star seafood meal at home, this is the one.

Whether you’re hosting dinner for two or cooking up a family favorite, this shrimp scampi recipe delivers flavor, elegance, and that unmistakable restaurant-quality experience without ever leaving your kitchen. Let’s dive in, forks ready!

What’s on the Plate

Overview

• Cuisine: American / Italian-American
• Course: Dinner / Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

What’s in Every Bite

• Calories: 480
• Carbs: 12g
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 970mg

Total Recipe Cost

• Estimated Total Cost: $17.50
• Cost Per Serving: ~$4.40
• Main Cost Factors: Shrimp, white wine, parmesan

The Story Behind the Flavor

Shrimp scampi originally hails from Italian-American cuisine, where it evolved as a clever twist on the traditional Italian “scampi”—a dish made with langoustines or small lobsters. When Italian immigrants came to the U.S., they replaced langoustines with readily available shrimp but kept the garlic, butter, lemon, and parsley flavor profile intact. Red Lobster popularized this dish in the 1980s, turning it into a signature menu item that combined a rich garlic-butter sauce with tender shrimp and a dash of white wine, usually served with pasta or soft breadsticks.

Why did it take off? Because it’s comforting, classy, and absolutely crave-worthy. Whether enjoyed during a special night out or a casual weeknight dinner, shrimp scampi earned its spot as a seafood staple. And today, we bring that same iconic restaurant flavor straight to your home kitchen.

Perfect For

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a total crowd-pleaser—savory, garlicky, and dripping in buttery lemon goodness. Whether you’re planning a fancy evening or just craving something indulgent, here’s when to pull out this seafood gem:

Date Night at Home
Light the candles, pour a glass of chilled white wine, and let this shrimp scampi do the seducing. It’s simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress without breaking a sweat.

Family Dinners That Feel a Little Extra Special
Maybe it’s been a long week, or maybe you just need a break from spaghetti night. This recipe is fancy enough to make your family feel pampered, yet quick enough to whip up on a weeknight.

Celebrations of All Kinds
Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, or “just because” victories deserve a meal that’s buttery, bold, and unforgettable. This scampi screams treat yourself—and your guests.

Seafood Fridays or Holiday Feasts
Perfect for Lenten Fridays, Christmas Eve, or any holiday dinner that calls for something special from the sea. It’s a festive dish without the fuss.

Restaurant-Style Cravings at Home
If you’re dreaming of a Red Lobster booth but want to eat barefoot in your kitchen, this copycat hits every note. Big flavor, silky sauce, and juicy shrimp—without the restaurant markup.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re after a dish that brings serious flavor, elegance, and ease all on one plate, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is your new go-to. Here’s why it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation:

• Quick and Easy – Just 25 Minutes Start to Finish
  • This isn’t one of those recipes that’ll chain you to the stove. From peeling shrimp to plating, you’re looking at less than half an hour. Perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests!
• Simple Pantry Staples, Big Payoff
  • Garlic, butter, lemon, olive oil, pasta—nothing fancy here, just solid kitchen MVPs. The magic happens when they come together in a silky, garlicky, seafood-forward sauce that’s anything but ordinary.
• That Buttery Garlic Punch
  • The combo of fresh garlic, butter, and lemon juice is a flavor bomb in all the right ways. It’s rich, bold, and fragrant—just like the one you get at the restaurant (maybe even better!).
• Restaurant-Quality Without the Price Tag
  • Skip the $25 entrée and long wait times. This copycat version gives you all the indulgence of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi, right from your kitchen—with change left for dessert.
• Elegant Yet Approachable
  • It looks fancy and tastes luxurious, but you won’t need a culinary degree to pull it off. It’s an ideal dish to serve when you want to wow guests—or just spoil yourself.
• Crowd-Pleaser That’s Totally Instagram-Worthy
  • Bright lemon slices, glistening shrimp, and fresh parsley make this dish as gorgeous as it is delicious. Serve it up and prepare for those “recipe, please!” texts and photo requests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (sautéed with shrimp for a pop of color)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for a creamier sauce)
• Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta (to turn this into a pasta main dish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp – Use large, fresh or frozen shrimp for the juiciest, plumpest results.
• Garlic – The backbone of this dish—don’t skimp on the garlic!
• White Wine – Adds acidity and depth to balance the richness.
• Butter & Olive Oil – This power duo gives you silky texture and luscious flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but they give just a little kick.
• Parmesan – Salty, nutty, and just enough to elevate each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Deglaze and sauce: Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add lemon zest.
5. Finish with flair: Sprinkle in chopped parsley and toss shrimp in the sauce. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
6. Serve: Top with grated parmesan and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

Pro Tips

Want to take your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi from “mmm” to “WOW”? These are the little chef tricks that’ll give your dish that pro-level polish:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp—Seriously.
  • Shrimp cook fast—like lightning-fast. The moment they curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque pink, they’re done. Push them past that, and you’re in rubber band territory. Keep it snappy.
• Use Real Wine—Not the “Cooking Wine” Stuff.
  • Trust me: that bottle labeled “cooking wine” is just overpriced saltwater. Grab a dry white wine you’d actually drink—like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It makes all the difference in the sauce’s depth and balance.
• Zest First, Slice Later.
  • Always zest your lemon before juicing it. Once it’s cut, it’s a slippery mess and way harder to get those fragrant oils off the rind. This one step gives your dish that fresh citrus zing that ties everything together.
• Want More Sauce? You Got It.
  • If the sauce looks a bit tight, add a splash of that starchy pasta water to loosen things up, or throw in a small knob of butter to make it extra glossy and luscious. That liquid gold at the bottom of the pan? You want that.
• Deglaze Like a Boss.
  • After sautéing the garlic and shrimp, there’ll be golden bits stuck to the skillet. That’s pure flavor! Hit the pan with wine or broth and scrape it down to infuse your sauce with all that savory goodness.

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is super versatile, and here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

• Creamy Shrimp Scampi
  • Craving something rich and velvety? Stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream during step 4, just as the sauce starts to reduce. It turns the garlic-wine base into a luscious, silky cream sauce. Pair with angel hair pasta or soft bread for serious comfort food vibes.
• Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi
  • For a fresh, summery spin, swap the parsley for finely chopped fresh basil and bump up the lemon juice. The basil brings a sweet herbal punch that plays beautifully with the citrus and garlic. It’s like an Italian garden party on a plate.
• Spicy Cajun Scampi
  • Bring the heat! Lightly coat the shrimp in Cajun seasoning before they hit the pan, and toss in extra red pepper flakes while the garlic sautés. You’ll get a smoky, spicy depth that makes this dish pop—perfect for spice lovers.
• Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
  • Feeling cozy? Mix the cooked shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta (linguine, penne, or spaghetti all work), pour into a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan, and broil or bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly. It’s like mac and cheese’s elegant seafood cousin.

Gluten-Free Version

Making this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi gluten-free is a breeze—and it still delivers all the buttery, garlicky goodness you expect.

Start by swapping out traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta—brown rice, quinoa, chickpea, or lentil-based noodles all work like a charm. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid any mushiness. Not into pasta? No problem! This dish is equally dreamy served over steamed rice, creamy mashed cauliflower, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.

Check the labels on your Parmesan cheese and white wine to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. Most are naturally safe, but it’s always better to double-check—especially if you’re serving someone with celiac or high sensitivity.

And don’t forget: if you’re adding store-bought broth, pre-grated cheese, or spice blends, scan those ingredients too. Hidden gluten likes to sneak in where you least expect it!

Kid-Friendly Version

Shrimp scampi for the little ones? You bet—and they’ll love it when you make just a few easy tweaks.

Start by dialing down the garlic. A clove or two is enough to keep the flavor mellow and approachable for tiny taste buds. Then swap out the white wine for low-sodium chicken broth or even a splash of water with a squeeze of lemon—still tasty, just without the grown-up notes.

To win bonus points, serve the shrimp over buttered noodles, cheesy rice, or even mac and cheese (yep, shrimp and mac can totally be a thing). You can also slice the shrimp into bite-size pieces so they’re easy for little fingers to manage—less mess, less stress.

And here’s a fun touch: let the kids sprinkle on their own grated cheese or crouton “crunchies” right before serving. Suddenly, dinner feels like a game—and clean plates are guaranteed.

Taste What’s Next

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce
Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style
Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes
or you Can Dig Deeper Recipes by clicking this: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts.

Storage & Reheating

You’ve whipped up a restaurant-worthy shrimp scampi—now let’s talk about keeping those leftovers just as irresistible.

• Storage:
  • Transfer any leftover shrimp and sauce into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you served it over pasta, you can store them together, but separating the shrimp and noodles will help keep everything from turning mushy.
• Reheating:
  • Shrimp are delicate little guys, so be gentle when warming them back up. The best method is to reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth, water, or even a touch of butter to revive that silky sauce. Stir occasionally and heat just until warm—don’t let it boil or simmer too long, or you’ll end up with rubbery shrimp.
• Freezing:
  • I’ll be honest—freezing isn’t the best option here. Shrimp tends to lose its tender texture after freezing and thawing, often turning tough and chewy. If you must freeze it, do so without the pasta and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Just know it won’t be quite the same when it returns to your plate.

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Garlic press or fine grater
• Microplane (for lemon zest)
• Serving bowl or pasta plate

FAQs

What makes Red Lobster shrimp scampi so good?
The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and tender shrimp creates an irresistible sauce with depth and richness that defines the dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first and pat them dry so they sear properly.

Is shrimp scampi served with pasta?
Yes! It’s commonly served over linguine or angel hair pasta, but it’s also delicious with bread or even rice.

Can I substitute the wine in shrimp scampi?
Yes—chicken broth, seafood stock, or even lemon juice mixed with a splash of vinegar can work in place of wine.

How long does it take to cook shrimp for scampi?
Only 4–6 minutes total. Cook until they’re pink and opaque with a slight curl.

External Resources

• foodsafety-Seafood Storage & Safety Tips

Conclusion

Look, I’m not saying this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will change your life—but I’m also not not saying that. It’s buttery, garlicky, lemony, and just downright irresistible. It brings that fancy restaurant flair to your kitchen in under 30 minutes, and every single time I whip it up, it gets devoured down to the last shrimp. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or just spoiling yourself (as you should), this is the kind of recipe that makes memories.

So go ahead — snap a photo and post it online! Don’t forget to tag me! I want to see your cooking success. Happy cooking!