Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Bring restaurant flavor home with this Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe—juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, lemon, herbs, and pasta.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz 225 g angel hair pasta or linguine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio
- 1 lemon juiced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Optional Add‑Ins:
- Extra lemon zest for brightness
- A splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
Instructions
Step 1: Bring the Pasta Water to Life
- Fill a large pot with water, season it generously with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. The pasta should still have a gentle bite—it will finish in the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp sear better, giving you that delicate sweetness instead of a watery sauté.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—your kitchen should smell incredible, not burnt.
Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside. This keeps them juicy and tender.
Step 5: Create the Scampi Sauce
- Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes if using, and the remaining butter. Stir until glossy and aromatic.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for another minute, just until everything is warmed through.
Step 7: Finish with Freshness
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. Serve immediately, with Parmesan on the side if you like.