If you’ve ever found yourself craving the rich, buttery flavors of seafood at your favorite restaurant, the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe brings that crave-worthy dining experience right to your kitchen. Imagine plump shrimp, sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-kissed sauce, glistening on a plate next to twirls of pasta or golden slices of crusty bread. This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your appetite — it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to make every bite feel like a treat. Whether you’re feeding guests or indulging in a special weeknight meal, this shrimp scampi is guaranteed to wow.

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this dish is its straightforward ingredient list — every single item brings its own character to the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. Use the freshest ingredients you can find for the most vibrant flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Pick big, juicy shrimp for the ultimate tender bite and dramatic presentation.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and that signature silky sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps round out the butter, giving the sauce a lovely flavor base and keeping it from burning.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish, creating those irresistible, savory aromas.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just a whisper of heat — adjust to your taste for a gentle kick or a bold spark.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds subtle acidity and lets all those flavors bloom beautifully; choose broth for a no-alcohol version.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens and balances the richness, making the whole dish pop.
Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Gives a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous finishing note.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for pulling every ingredient together with just the right amount of seasoning.
Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving: The best way to soak up every last drop of that amazing garlicky butter sauce.

How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add your butter and olive oil. Watch them melt together into a fragrant, golden pool — this is the delicious heart of the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. Once it starts to sizzle, you’ll know it’s ready for that next flavor boost.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes

Drop in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them around gently — you want the garlic to smell wildly inviting, not browned or bitter. One minute is all it takes for that kitchen-filling aroma you’ve been dreaming about.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, then give them a good seasoning of salt and black pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that magical transformation: shrimp that’s opaque and pink, but still tender and juicy. Don’t overcook!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and the squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s where an abundance of flavor hides. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes so it thickens ever-so-slightly and coats the shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs & Finish

Remove your pan from the heat and shower everything with chopped fresh parsley. That hint of green and freshness is what makes the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe sing. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, and you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it classic with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving, or add a wedge or two of lemon for an extra zesty flourish. A little crack of black pepper just before serving amps up the aroma and makes the dish Instagram-worthy.

Side Dishes

This shrimp scampi absolutely shines when nestled over a bed of al dente pasta, especially angel hair or linguine. If you prefer, serve with plenty of thick, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that craveable scampi sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side create a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper appetizer, pile the shrimp on crostini or toasted baguette slices. You can also spoon the shrimp and sauce over creamy polenta for a cozy twist. Serving in individual ramekins with a lemon wedge on the rim makes any gathering feel like a trip to your favorite seafood restaurant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The scampi is best enjoyed within two days for the freshest flavor and texture, and it makes a wonderful reheat-and-eat lunch.

Freezing

While it’s technically possible to freeze this dish, shrimp can get a bit rubbery after freezing and reheating. If you still wish to freeze it, cool it quickly and store in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp tough. A gentle stovetop reheating keeps the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe luscious and tender, just like the original.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely — just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear nicely and prevents watery sauce.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you’d rather skip the wine, chicken broth makes an excellent alternative, providing depth and a savory backbone to the sauce without any alcohol.

How spicy is the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes, but you can add more or less to suit your preference. It’s easy to adjust and perfectly suited to everyone’s taste buds.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a good-quality vegan butter or extra olive oil. The result is still rich and delicious, just a touch different!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is naturally gluten-friendly if served with gluten-free pasta or your favorite gluten-free bread. Check all labels to ensure your chosen ingredients are safe for your needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about recreating your favorite restaurant dish at home, and the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re whipping it up for weeknight ease or a celebratory dinner, you’ll love how simple ingredients become a meal to remember. Give it a try — your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the flavors of the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with this easy-to-follow recipe. Succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, finished with a splash of white wine and lemon juice, and served over pasta or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Scampi:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat Butter and Oil: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil until hot. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in wine and lemon juice, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in parsley. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.