Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a simple, tasty dish that brings all the flavors you love from Red Lobster right into your kitchen. It features tender shrimp cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of lemon and herbs. The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect for scooping up with some pasta or crusty bread.
I love making this recipe because it feels fancy but doesn’t take too much time or effort. The shrimp cook in just minutes, so you can have a restaurant-style meal on the table fast. I always make sure to use fresh garlic and a splash of white wine or broth for extra flavor, and the lemon zest adds a bright, fresh touch that makes the dish really shine.
My favorite way to serve this shrimp scampi is over hot linguine with a sprinkle of parsley on top. It’s great for a weeknight dinner but also nice to make when friends come over for a casual get-together. Whenever I make this, everyone asks for seconds — it’s just that good and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best here because they stay juicy and cook quickly. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp is a great alternative—just thaw them carefully before cooking to avoid sogginess.
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices. If you want a lower-carb option, try zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a light, fresh feel.
Butter and Olive Oil: Combining these adds richness and a nice browning effect. For a dairy-free version, swap butter for extra olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
White Wine: Adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer no alcohol, chicken broth or even vegetable broth works well to keep flavors bright.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon is key—it brightens the dish and balances the butter’s richness. Bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh lemon zest really lifts the flavors.
Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh garlic is essential for that classic scampi kick. Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or leave them out for a milder taste.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Tender Shrimp Without Overcooking?
Shrimp cooks very fast—just a few minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Here’s my method:
- Heat the pan to medium, so shrimp cook evenly.
- Place shrimp in a single layer, giving them space to sear without crowding.
- Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl tightly, they’re likely overcooked.
- Remove shrimp from the pan as soon as done to stop cooking in the hot skillet.
Cooking shrimp this way keeps them juicy and tender, which makes your scampi extra enjoyable.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking shrimp evenly and making the sauce in one pan.
- Large pot – for boiling pasta; a wide pot prevents pasta from sticking together.
- Colander – makes draining pasta easy and quick.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Citrus zester or grater – helps you get fresh lemon zest to brighten the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken strips for a different protein that also soaks up the sauce well.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and a fresh, healthy twist.
- Stir in a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Try topping with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for gone-rich cheesy notes.
How to Make Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the shrimp and making the sauce, plus about 10-12 minutes boiling the pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal you can enjoy any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Cook Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce and Combine:
Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt and the sauce thicken a bit. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them well with the sauce. Stir in half of the chopped parsley.
4. Toss Pasta with Shrimp and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to combine and warm through. Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Serve immediately, with an optional sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place the sealed bag in cold water for faster thawing. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for the best sear.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth works great and still adds good flavor. Just use the same amount (1/4 cup) and simmer the sauce to reduce slightly as directed.
Can I Make Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time?
You can prep the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead, but it’s best to toss the pasta and shrimp together just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
