If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ve probably tried Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at least once. This dish is one of the most popular menu items, loved for its buttery garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and tangy lemon zest. But did you know you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients?
In this article, you’ll learn how to:
✔ Recreate Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi recipe step-by-step
✔ Make the perfect garlic butter sauce
✔ Thicken the scampi sauce to restaurant quality
✔ Pair shrimp scampi with pasta, bread, and sides
Let’s dive in and bring the flavors of Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi straight to your kitchen!
What is Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a classic seafood dish that originated from the Italian-American culinary tradition. Originally, “scampi” referred to a type of small lobster (langoustine). In the U.S., however, “shrimp scampi” refers to shrimp cooked in a garlic butter and white wine sauce.
📌 Read more about the history of shrimp scampi on Serious Eats.
At Red Lobster, their version features:
✔ Large, succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce
✔ A light yet flavorful white wine and lemon sauce
✔ Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added depth
✔ Italian herbs and red pepper flakes for a touch of spice
✔ Served over linguine pasta or with crusty bread
This dish is known for its bold, tangy, and buttery flavors, making it one of the most beloved shrimp recipes in American restaurants.
Ingredients for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
To make the best homemade shrimp scampi, you’ll need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Scampi Sauce:
- ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
For Serving:
- Linguine or angel hair pasta
- Crusty garlic bread (for dipping in the sauce)
- Extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks very quickly, so it’s important to have everything prepped and ready before starting.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook!
- Remove the shrimp and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce
This is where the magic happens! The sauce brings all the flavors together.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same pan.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
If you enjoy garlic butter flavors in other dishes, check out garlic butter steak bites for another rich and flavorful meal.
Step 3: Thicken the Scampi Sauce (Optional)
Red Lobster’s scampi sauce is slightly thick, giving it a velvety texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce:
- Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry.
- Add the mixture to the skillet and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Now it’s time to combine everything for the final dish!
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss it in the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve over linguine or shrimp linguine for a more traditional seafood pasta experience.
- Enjoy with crusty garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Like Red Lobster
Wondering how to serve your homemade shrimp scampi? Here are some great pairing ideas:
✔ With Pasta – The classic way to serve shrimp scampi is over linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta.
✔ With Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic butter bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
✔ With Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) – A low-carb alternative that pairs well with shrimp scampi.
✔ With Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
✔ As an Appetizer – Serve shrimp scampi in a bowl with extra sauce for dipping bread.
Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
To take your shrimp scampi to the next level, follow these expert tips:
✔ Use Fresh Shrimp – Wild-caught shrimp has a much better flavor than farmed shrimp.
✔ Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Shrimp only takes a few minutes to cook. Overcooking makes it rubbery!
✔ Use a Good White Wine – Dry wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc add the best flavor.
✔ Balance the Butter and Lemon – Too much butter makes it heavy, while too much lemon makes it too tangy.
✔ Add Heat If You Like – Red pepper flakes give shrimp scampi a slight spicy kick.
FAQs About Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
1. What is shrimp scampi Red Lobster?
Shrimp scampi at Red Lobster is a garlic butter shrimp dish with a white wine and lemon sauce, served over pasta.
2. What is shrimp scampi sauce made of?
Shrimp scampi sauce is made with butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Is shrimp scampi healthy?
Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, but the butter and cheese add calories. To make it healthier, use less butter and whole-wheat pasta.
4. What’s the difference between scampi and shrimp scampi?
Originally, “scampi” referred to a type of small lobster (langoustine). In the U.S., “shrimp scampi” refers to shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce.
5. How to make shrimp scampi sauce thicker?
To thicken scampi sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add to the sauce while simmering.
Conclusion
Now that you have the ultimate Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe, you’re ready to create a restaurant-quality seafood dish right in your own kitchen. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors—the richness of buttery garlic sauce, the brightness of fresh lemon juice, the depth of white wine, and the umami of Parmesan cheese come together to create an unforgettable meal.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility and simplicity. You can serve it over classic linguine pasta, enjoy it with crusty garlic bread, or even pair it with low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight meal for your family or preparing a romantic dinner for two, this shrimp scampi will always impress.