Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving seafood restaurant flavors from the comfort of your own kitchen, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s loaded with succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky lemon-butter sauce that’s irresistible, tossed with a hint of heat and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and Parmesan. In only 20 minutes, you’ll channel classic coastal vibes and treat your guests (or just yourself!) to a dinner that tastes every bit as luxurious and celebratory as the original — all without leaving home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi so memorable isn’t just the shrimp — it’s the magic created when simple, quality ingredients come together. From aromatic garlic to a splash of wine for brightness, every component has a part to play in attaining that signature flavor and glossy finish.

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture; look for fresh or frozen, just avoid pre-cooked!
• Butter: This adds rich depth and creates an unmistakable, silky sauce for the shrimp to bathe in.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and imparts a subtle earthiness to the dish.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic kick — don’t skimp here.
• Dry White Wine: A splash of wine lifts the flavors, balancing the richness with a touch of acidity (chicken broth works in a pinch if you prefer).
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice delivers a bright, tangy finish and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint adds background heat — adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; season thoughtfully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty kick that sets the dish apart.
• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled at the end for color and a clean, fresh taste.
• Lemon Wedges: For serving — squeezing a wedge over your finished Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brightens every bite.

How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Warm Up the Oil and Butter

Start by heating your olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts, the combination will form a glossy base ready to soak up the flavors of what’s to come. Be sure not to crank the heat too high, or the butter can brown before you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Add your minced garlic and sauté for just a minute, keeping it moving so it doesn’t scorch. Once you smell that savory, mouthwatering garlic aroma, it’s time to move on. This step is key — it infuses the oil and butter, ensuring that every single shrimp is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Lay the shrimp out in a single layer across the skillet, then season them with salt, black pepper, and those all-important crushed red pepper flakes. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn opaque and take on a pretty pink hue. Don’t overcook — you want them tender, not tough! Transfer the shrimp to a plate as soon as they’re ready, so they don’t keep cooking in the pan.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine and Lemon

Pour in your dry white wine and lemon juice, scraping the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen all the delicious browned bits. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the wine to reduce and the flavors to concentrate. This gives your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi that restaurant-worthy depth and tang.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Butter

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until they melt into the wine and lemon mixture, creating a silky, luscious sauce. This is the moment your kitchen will smell like a coastal Italian bistro at golden hour!

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat every piece in that gorgeous sauce. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan and fresh parsley right over the top—it melts slightly and adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve with fresh lemon wedges so everyone can sprinkle their own extra citrus zing before digging in.

How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the magic of a proper garnish for your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. A final flourish of finely chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon just before serving will make every plate pop with color and keep flavors bright and lively. You can even reserve a bit of Parmesan to shower over the top right before presenting to the table for a professional touch.

Side Dishes

This dish is perfect served over a twirl of angel hair or linguine, letting those luscious juices soak into every strand. If you want to keep things light and gluten-free, go for a heap of zucchini noodles or pair with a crisp green salad. And if you’re a fan of bread, nothing beats a warm, crusty baguette for sopping up every last bit of that buttery garlic sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little playful, try serving Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi in individual ramekins for a dinner party appetizer or spoon it over creamy polenta for a comforting twist. For a festive family meal, arrange the shrimp in a big platter, sauced generously, and let everyone take their share straight from the center of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing, and try to keep as much of the sauce with the shrimp as possible to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

While the sauce holds up well to freezing, the texture of shrimp can change after being thawed, sometimes becoming a bit rubbery. If you do freeze, pack everything in a freezer-safe container (ideally without the pasta), and use within one month for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving or using high heat, as shrimp can quickly become tough if overcooked during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps avoid extra water in the pan that could dilute your flavorful sauce.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?

Yes, you can replace the white wine with chicken broth or even a splash of vegetable broth if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free. The result will still be delicious, with a slightly different depth of flavor.

What type Main Course

Classic angel hair or linguine work beautifully, as they soak up every drop of sauce. If you want a lower-carb option, spiralized zucchini or even cauliflower rice make excellent alternatives.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute a plant-based butter alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The result won’t be quite as rich, but the flavors will still shine!

How spicy does the dish get with the red pepper flakes?

The teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle background warmth without overpowering the dish. For more or less heat, simply adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is proof that restaurant-quality seafood dinners can be quick, easy, and made entirely at home. Whether you’re introducing friends to nostalgic flavors or just craving something special on a busy night, I promise you’ll reach for this recipe again and again. Give it a try — your taste buds are in for a treat!

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