Love Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe? You’ll adore our copycat version even more. Packed with familiar flavors like garlic in olive oil, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Copycat recipe for the classic Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi dish
- Captures the flavors of the original with garlic, butter, and white wine
- Tossed with pasta, asparagus, and a touch of red pepper for added flavor
- Faster and more cost-effective than dining out
- Perfect for Italian food lovers and picky eaters alike
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
To make this classic dish at home, gather these ingredients:
- Raw Fresh Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: 1 lb
- Angel Hair Pasta: 8 oz
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- White Onion, Sliced: 1 cup
- Butter: 4 tbsp
- Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup
- Minced Garlic: 3 cloves
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Asparagus, Cut into 2-inch Pieces: 1 lb
- Tomato, Chopped: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated: 1/2 cup
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped: 1/4 cup
Cooking the Pasta to Make Shrimp Scampi
We start by cooking the angel hair pasta just right. This thin pasta is perfect for holding the buttery shrimp scampi sauce.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often to prevent clumping.
- Cook until al dente, soft but firm, to hold the sauce well without becoming mushy. Do not overcook!
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining to thicken the sauce later.
Preparing the Garlic White Wine Sauce
To make an authentic Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi, the sauce is key.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add sliced onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Stir in butter, white wine, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 2-3 minutes to reduce the wine and blend the flavors.
- Add asparagus and tomatoes, cooking until tender but still crisp.
Cooking the Shrimp and Asparagus
After prepping the flavors, it’s time for the shrimp and asparagus to shine.
- Add shrimp to the skillet with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright pink.
- Add asparagus and cook for another 1-2 minutes to keep it green and crispy.
Tossing it All Together with a Touch of Parmesan
The final step is bringing everything together.
- Mix the pasta and reserved pasta water with the shrimp and veggies.
- Toss gently to ensure the pasta soaks up the sauce.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley for added flavor and a fresh pop.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
- Side Salad: The freshness of greens and vegetables contrasts nicely with the rich shrimp scampi.
- Breadsticks: Perfect for sopping up the delicious garlic-butter sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Offers a sturdy platform for dipping in the scampi sauce.
- Asparagus: Its bright, fresh flavor complements the richness of the shrimp scampi.
- Angel Hair Pasta: Helps soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Wine Pairing
Pairing the perfect wine can enhance this dish:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, citrusy, herbaceous, balances the richness of the shrimp scampi.
- Pinot Grigio: Light, refreshing, floral, and mineral, complements the delicate flavors of the shrimp.
- Chardonnay: Medium-bodied, with or without oak, enhances the buttery elements of the dish.
- Pinot Noir: A light, fruity, low tannin red wine option that doesn’t overpower the shrimp scampi.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by warming the sauce in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and microwaving the pasta in 30-second intervals until hot.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: Takes only 25 minutes.
- Versatile: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or swap shrimp with chicken.
- Healthier than dining out: Only 501 calories per portion.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Enjoy a favorite meal with family and friends.
Variations and Substitutions
- White Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken instead of shrimp.
Taking This Olive Garden Recipe To Go!
This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe brings restaurant flavors to your table. With a rich mix of garlic, butter, and spices, it’s perfect for a simple dinner or to impress guests. Make it at home and enjoy a known favorite that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Best Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe You Ever Did See!
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the white wine and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer again and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Variations: You can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture. For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Additional Veggies: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.