This dish brings together succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a hint of lemon that dances on your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Imagine twirling spaghetti around your fork while savoring the aroma of sizzling garlic wafting through your kitchen. With every bite of this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you’re transported to a cozy seaside restaurant where the ocean breeze tickles your face.
I still remember the first time I attempted this dish—it was an ambitious date night idea gone slightly awry when I accidentally dumped a whole jar of garlic in (oops!). Thankfully, it turned out to be a hit; my date raved about it! Now I whip up this flavorful scampi whenever I want to impress someone special or just indulge myself on a Friday night.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe showcases easy preparation with minimal ingredients while delivering a flavor explosion.
- It’s visually stunning with vibrant colors and textures that make it perfect for entertaining.
- The versatility allows you to serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Plus, it’s quick enough for a weekday meal but fancy enough for special occasions.
When I made this for my family last month, the delighted looks on their faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp; fresh or frozen works well if you thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic from a jar just won’t cut it!
- Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor without adding excess salt; it also makes everything richer.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice lacks that zesty punch.
- Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine are classic choices; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens up the dish’s overall flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch gives your scampi some heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce; low-sodium options let you control saltiness easily.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes should do.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until golden brown—this takes about 1 minute.
Add the Shrimp: Carefully place your shrimp into the skillet with garlic-butter goodness. Cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes per side—and resist the urge to stir too much!
Create the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let this simmer gently while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened—around 2-3 minutes will suffice.
Toss Everything Together: Drain your pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and saucy—this is where magic happens!
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes over your dish before serving. Dish out generous portions into bowls; enjoy hot with crusty bread or all by itself!
By following these steps carefully while keeping an eye (and nose) on those delightful aromas in your kitchen, you’ll create an unforgettable experience with each bite! Enjoy every moment as you savor your homemade Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi masterpiece!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, ensure the shrimp are fresh and not overcooked.
- Use quality garlic for a robust flavor, and don’t skip on the butter for richness.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then add shrimp for a quick cook. Meanwhile, boil fresh pasta so everything comes together seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or even swapping out shrimp for chicken or scallops if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the flavors.
The first time I made Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary genius, even if I was just following a recipe.
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp works too if thawed properly.
Can I make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi without pasta?
Absolutely! Serve it over zucchini noodles or as an appetizer with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
How can I make my scampi sauce thicker?
Add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water while cooking to thicken your sauce without losing flavor.
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Savor a delightful Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi made with succulent shrimp and rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; simmer gently while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Combine drained pasta with the shrimp mixture, tossing until well coated. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize your dish by adding vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
