Craving that restaurant-quality shrimp scampi you love from Olive Garden, but without the price tag or the wait? Then you're in the right place! This recipe delivers all the buttery, garlicky goodness of your favorite Olive Garden dish, right in the comfort of your own kitchen. It's surprisingly quick, incredibly easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this homemade version of a classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While the water heats, prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Make the Scampi Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil; this helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly and the sauce to slightly reduce.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Combine and Serve:
- While the shrimp cooks, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Olive Garden-style shrimp scampi!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a much brighter and more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or salt and pepper to your liking.
- Add some vegetables: For a heartier meal, add some sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the scampi.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of lemon juice to 1/3 cup for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost and effort. It’s a perfect example of how delicious homemade cooking can be a quick and healthy option for busy weeknights. Enjoy!