Savory, buttery, and kissed with garlic—Red Lobster’s Famous Shrimp Scampi is a seafood lover’s dream that you can now enjoy in your own kitchen. With juicy shrimp nestled on a bed of linguine and bathed in a lemony garlic butter sauce, this dish brings restaurant-level flavor to the comfort of home. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, treating guests, or simply craving something decadent, this scampi recipe satisfies every time.

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and elegance. The shrimp are lightly seared to a perfect pink, then tossed in a white wine reduction with crushed garlic, a hint of spice, and fresh parsley. Combined with perfectly al dente pasta, the result is a balance of richness and brightness in every bite. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—proof that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients for this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—avoid browning. Carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan and gently toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle in chopped parsley and add freshly grated Parmesan if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, straight from the pan, with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Warm it gently over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating, as they can become rubbery.

Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of the shrimp and the buttery sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Cholesterol: 190mg

Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. What pasta works best with shrimp scampi?

Linguine or angel hair is traditional, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles work well too.

3. Can I make this dish without wine?

Absolutely. Replace the wine with chicken broth or seafood stock for a non-alcoholic version.

4. Is this dish spicy?

Only if you include the red pepper flakes. You can skip them for a milder flavor.

5. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—usually 1-2 minutes per side—and remove them promptly from the heat.

6. What’s the best wine to use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish nicely.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus are great additions.

8. Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.