Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute obsession with the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi! This dish is a delightful dance of flavors that makes your taste buds sing. The combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly cooked pasta, is nothing short of divine. Every bite is like a mini vacation to the coast, with that fresh, zesty lemon and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. It’s so popular because it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! Trust me, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this shrimp scampi will impress everyone at the table. You’ll find yourself making it again and again! Get ready to whip up something truly special!
Ingredients for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (your choice!)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (adds a lovely color!)
How to Prepare Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Alright, let’s get cooking! This shrimp scampi is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’ll make you feel like a culinary rock star!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s tackle that pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You want it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta, right? When it’s done, drain it, but save a little pasta water just in case we need it later!
Sautéing the Shrimp
Next up, let’s get that shrimp sizzling! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Now, add in the shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Oops! Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become tough!
Combining Ingredients
Now comes the best part—bringing it all together! Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, then let it simmer for about 2 minutes so all those lovely flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if needed to get a nice, glossy sauce. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious garlic butter goodness. And voilà! Your famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi is ready to serve! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that will have you licking your plate.
- Succulent shrimp that cook up tender and juicy.
- Pasta perfectly absorbs the delicious sauce for a satisfying bite.
- Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple for weeknight meals.
- Versatile dish that can be adjusted for spice lovers or those who prefer it milder.
- Pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up all that scrumptious sauce.
- A crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of the coast right to your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi truly shine, here are a few handy tips! Always opt for fresh shrimp if you can; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. When it comes to butter, use the good stuff—unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning. Don’t rush the sautéing process; let the garlic cook just until fragrant, but be careful not to brown it, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish. And remember, if the sauce seems a bit thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen it and keep it silky. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. On average, each serving of this famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 2g of sugar. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve come across:
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can be just as delicious if prepped right!
What kind of white wine should I use?
I recommend using a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It adds a lovely depth to the dish without overpowering the flavors. Don’t worry if you’re not a wine lover; the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance. Just keep everything in separate containers in the fridge and combine when you’re ready to eat. It’ll save you time on busy nights!
What if I don’t have linguine?
No problem! You can substitute with any pasta you have on hand—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options work well. The key is to enjoy that garlicky sauce!
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic to infuse those delicious flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftover famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi (which is rare, trust me!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep all that deliciousness intact. Just transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should be good for about 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more butter to revive the sauce and keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, and then dig in! Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi experience, consider serving it with a fresh, crisp green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the dish. For a comforting touch, add some crusty garlic bread on the side—perfect for soaking up that luscious garlic butter sauce! You could also whip up some roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for a vibrant, healthy addition. And let’s not forget a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing finish. Enjoy your meal in style!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A popular dish featuring shrimp in a garlic butter sauce served with pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmer for 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with the shrimp mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: red lobster shrimp scampi, shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp, seafood pasta