Looking for a way to recreate that restaurant-quality shrimp scampi from Red Lobster? This classic dish features tender shrimp bathed in a rich garlic-butter sauce, brightened with a splash of lemon and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, every bite will have you savoring the taste of a seafood favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
- Place the shrimp in the skillet, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Parsley
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Cooking Notes:
- Shrimp Cooking Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They are done when they are pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works just as well, adding depth without alcohol.
- Adjust the Spice: For a mild dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, increase the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Cheese Alternative: For a sharper flavor, substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine or angel hair pasta for a complete meal.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: A loaf of garlic bread or baguette is perfect for dipping into the buttery sauce.
- Surf and Turf: Pair this shrimp scampi with a grilled steak for an elevated meal.
Tips:
- Make It Ahead: Prep the shrimp and measure out your ingredients in advance to save time when cooking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or wine to refresh the sauce.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 710 mg
Conclusion
Recreating Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi at home is easier than you think. With a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish delivers maximum flavor in just 20 minutes. Whether you serve it as a main course or pair it with pasta or bread for a cozy meal, this shrimp scampi is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this quick and delicious seafood dish—no reservations needed!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: A Restaurant Favorite at Home
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
- Place the shrimp in the skillet, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Parsley
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 30g