Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet simple enough for a weeknight. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and a splash of citrus creates a bright, irresistible flavor profile that has made this dish an American seafood staple. When I first recreated it at home, I tried substituting a splash of almond milk to lighten the sauce slightly, and it blended surprisingly well—still creamy and rich, but not overly heavy. This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something elegant without extra effort. It pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables, and the sauce alone is delightful enough to spoon over rice. Whether you are hosting guests or cooking a quiet dinner, this homemade version captures everything you love about the restaurant classic while allowing you to tweak flavors to your personal preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal preparation and simple ingredients. The buttery garlic sauce tastes rich and indulgent, the shrimp cooks in minutes, and the entire dish feels sophisticated despite its ease. It is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for both entertaining and everyday cooking.
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Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: A Restaurant-Style Favorite Made Easy at Home
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A classic copycat version of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi featuring garlic butter, white wine, lemon, and tender sautéed shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook 1–2 more minutes, then remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if using.
- Serve immediately with pasta, crusty bread, or rice.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of wine for an alcohol-free version.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
- Add extra butter for a richer restaurant-style sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the buttery, garlicky scampi sauce.
Butter
This forms the core of the sauce. Butter creates richness and helps bind the garlic, wine, and lemon into a cohesive, glossy coating for the shrimp.
Olive oil
Used alongside butter to prevent burning while adding depth and smoothness to the sauce.
Garlic
A central component of shrimp scampi, garlic infuses the dish with warm, savory aroma and unmistakable flavor.
White wine
Adds acidity and brightness. As it reduces, it enhances the sauce’s complexity. You may use broth if preferred.
Lemon juice
Provides freshness and balance, cutting through the richness of the butter to keep the dish vibrant.
Red pepper flakes
Add a gentle heat that elevates the sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
Parsley
Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish and adds color to the dish.
Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balance the sauce.
Directions
Begin by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a mixture of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Stir in the white wine and simmer for several minutes until it reduces by half. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes to create a bright, aromatic base. Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness. Once the shrimp are done, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in a final pat of butter for a silky finish. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or spooned alongside steamed vegetables.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with eas
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of the shrimp.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Scampi
Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, velvety sauce.
Herb-Loaded Version
Incorporate basil, chives, or thyme alongside parsley for added depth.
Wine-Free Variation
Use chicken broth in place of wine for an alcohol-free version.
Spicy Garlic Scampi
Increase red pepper flakes or add minced chili peppers for heightened heat.
Lemon-Herb
Add lemon zest for an extra citrus-forward profile.
Parmesan Finish
Stir grated Parmesan into the sauce for a slightly thicker, savory finish.
Tomato-Basil Twist
Add cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a lighter, summery variation.
Shrimp and Scallop Duo
Combine shrimp with scallops for a luxurious seafood blend.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Pasta Lover’s Scampi
Toss cooked linguine directly into the skillet to absorb the sauce.
FAQs
Can I substitute the wine?
Yes, chicken broth works well as a replacement.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook them only until pink and opaque—typically 1–2 minutes per side.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.
Can I make this ahead?
The sauce can be prepared ahead, but cook the shrimp just before serving.
What should I serve with shrimp scampi?
Pasta, rice, bread, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Not recommended; they may overcook quickly and become tough.
Does the sauce thicken as it cooks?
Yes, especially as the wine reduces and butter emulsifies.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.
Should the shrimp be peeled and deveined?
Yes, for best texture and ease of eating.
Conclusion
Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a timeless seafood dish that combines simplicity with elegance. With its buttery garlic sauce, bright lemon notes, and tender shrimp, it delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Whether served for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this scampi offers reliability, versatility, and undeniable satisfaction in every bite.
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