Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi, in essence, is shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce made from butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine. The dish is typically served with pasta, which helps soak up the rich sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal. Olive Garden’s take on this classic Italian-American dish is beloved for its balance of buttery goodness, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked shrimp. The good news is, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can make this dish just as delicious as the restaurant version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at home, here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp work, but be sure to thaw frozen shrimp in advance.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and adding flavor.
- Butter: A key ingredient that makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, finely chopped or minced, adds the signature flavor to the dish.
- White wine: Opt for a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Lemon juice and zest: These fresh additions brighten up the dish, adding that tangy, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Chicken broth: Adds another layer of flavor to the sauce, making it savory and robust.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
- Linguine or spaghetti: This is the pasta traditionally used with Shrimp Scampi, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of spice to balance the richness of the butter sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Sauté them for just 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.
Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor of fresh garlic is essential to the success of this dish. If you use pre-minced garlic from a jar, the flavor might not be as robust.
Sauté the Garlic First: To get the best flavor, always sauté the garlic in oil and butter before adding the liquid ingredients.
Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Pasta Cooking: Cook your pasta al dente, as it will absorb the sauce better and maintain its texture when combined with the scampi.
Variations of Shrimp Scampi
While the classic version of Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a crowd-pleaser, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, try adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the dish.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half during the simmering step.
- Shrimp Scampi with Asparagus: Toss in some cooked asparagus for a fresh, spring-inspired twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
How to Serve Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is often served as a main dish with pasta, but you can also serve it with:
- A side of garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
- A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
- A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce upon storage, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to help loosen up the sauce. Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi ahead of time?
While Shrimp Scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, cook the shrimp and pasta, then toss them in the pre-made sauce.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes.
3. What can I substitute for white wine in Shrimp Scampi?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a little extra lemon juice. The wine adds acidity and depth of flavor, so try to choose a substitute that balances those qualities.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta for Shrimp Scampi?
Yes! While linguine is the traditional pasta choice, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Ingredients
- 16 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ white onion, sliced
- 8 stalks asparagus, freshly cut into 2 inch pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt and pepper
- 1 tomato chopped, seeds removed
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as per the package instructions.
- Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and stir cook for about 1-2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Then add the white wine, butter, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until asparagus is just tender and shrimp is pink.
- Add in the cooked pasta and diced tomatoes into the skillet. Toss to coat with the shrimp.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 360Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 187mgSodium 1134mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 25g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a dish that brings the flavors of a classic Italian-American favorite right to your table. With its rich, buttery sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to become a family favorite. By following the steps and tips I’ve shared, you can create this restaurant-style dish in no time! Enjoy it with a glass of white wine and a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal.
