If you’re craving restaurant-worthy seafood at home, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers all the buttery, garlicky goodness you love—without the wait or the price tag! Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a bright, lemony white wine sauce, kissed with fresh garlic, and finished with a sprinkle of herbs. Every bite is rich, zesty, and just a little bit indulgent, making this dish a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or impressive date nights. Get ready to bring a taste of your favorite seafood spot right to your own table with this unforgettable Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi!

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home is that you can turn a handful of simple, fresh ingredients into something truly spectacular. Each element plays a starring role, from the tender shrimp to the aromatic garlic, all working together to create a vibrant, memorable dish.

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined, tails on): The star of the show! Using large shrimp gives the dish that signature restaurant feel and ensures juicy, tender bites.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity base and helps the shrimp cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): For that luscious, creamy sauce that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Delivers a punch of flavor and aroma that’s classic to any good scampi.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that balances the richness—add more or less to taste.
Dry White Wine (¼ cup, or chicken broth): Adds depth and a hint of tang; use broth if you prefer to skip the wine.
Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens and lifts the entire dish, making every bite pop.
Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Sprinkled on top for freshness and color.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish, optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish if you love a cheesy touch.

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper

Start by heating the olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this quick step infuses the oil and butter with a rich, aromatic base that becomes the soul of your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and resist the urge to overcook—the shrimp should be just cooked through for maximum tenderness. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour the dry white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These little bits add so much flavor! Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly and concentrating the taste. This is the secret step that gives Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi its signature depth.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Stir in the remaining butter and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. As the butter melts, the sauce transforms into a glossy, citrusy coating that will cling beautifully to every shrimp. Take a moment to inhale the aroma—it’s nothing short of mouthwatering!

Step 5: Finish and Toss Everything Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the garlicky, buttery sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute, just until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready for the final flourish: a sprinkle of parsley and, if you like, a shower of Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

Nothing completes Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi quite like a handful of freshly chopped parsley for color and a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness. If you’re a cheese lover, a dusting of grated Parmesan takes things over the top, adding a salty, nutty note that pairs perfectly with the buttery sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is deliciously versatile when it comes to sides. Toss it with angel hair or linguine for a classic pasta dinner, or serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Crusty bread is practically mandatory—perfect for swiping up the garlicky, lemony pan juices!

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi in shallow, wide bowls, garnished with extra herbs and lemon slices. Or, pile the shrimp atop grilled polenta rounds for a fun twist. You can even skewer the shrimp and serve them as finger food at a party, with the sauce on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The shrimp and sauce will keep well for up to two days, making for a wonderful next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi if needed. Place cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of shrimp can change after freezing, so it’s ideal for a quick meal rather than a special occasion.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery—your patience will be rewarded with better texture!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan. Fresh or frozen, large shrimp work best for that restaurant-style bite.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute. It keeps the sauce flavorful and savory without the alcohol, making this dish family-friendly.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary?

Parmesan is optional but highly recommended for an added layer of flavor. If you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter touch, you can skip it or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.

Can Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi be made gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, so just be mindful of what you serve it with. Pair it with gluten-free pasta or rice, and double-check that your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp cook very quickly. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye and remove them from heat as soon as they’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a game-changer for seafood lovers who want something special but easy to make at home. With just a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of love, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish disappears from your table!

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features tender, garlic-infused shrimp cooked in a luscious lemon butter sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of crushed red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, it’s an easy yet elegant dish ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)

Cooking Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquids and Seasoning

¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
juice of 1 lemon
salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the base: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if using, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful bits. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly reduces.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing the sauce to melt and combine fully.
Toss shrimp with sauce: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the lemon butter sauce. Cook together for an additional minute to heat through and meld flavors.
Season and serve: Season the scampi with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.

Notes

For a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after the wine has reduced.
You can substitute shrimp with scallops or a mixed seafood blend for variety.
Use gluten-free pasta or bread to adapt the dish for gluten-sensitive diners.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness based on preference.
Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to maintain tenderness and prevent rubberiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired