Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi – The Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender shrimp, a garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one unforgettable dish.
What is Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi?
This dish features juicy succulent shrimp smothered in a rich and creamy garlic-white wine sauce. It’s typically served over a bed of angel hair pasta, with chopped tomatoes and fresh herbs adding pops of color and flavor.
Its a classic Italian comfort food with a touch of decadence – that’s the magic of Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi.
Variations of Shrimp Scampi
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve the scampi over steamed rice or quinoa.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a velvety finish.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a vegetarian version.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, garlic, and parsley elevate the dish. Opt for raw, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—2-3 minutes per side is all they need. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Angel hair pasta cooks in minutes. Make sure it’s al dente to hold up against the rich sauce.
- Deglaze with Wine: White wine adds depth to the sauce. A dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
- Balance the Sauce: If the sauce is too tangy from the lemon, a pinch of sugar can mellow it out.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- Bread Pairings: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Salads: Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
- Family-Style: Present it in a large platter for a family-style meal, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Freezing: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. What type of shrimp works best for scampi?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) are ideal. Look for peeled and deveined options to save prep time.
2. Can I make this dish alcohol-free?
Yes! Substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock for a non-alcoholic version.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a slurry of cornstarch and water or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce.
4. What can I use instead of angel hair pasta?
Linguine, fettuccine, or even rice noodles make great alternatives.
5. Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and sauce ingredients ahead, but cook them fresh for the best taste and texture.
Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi (Copycat)
Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi - The Cheesecake Factory's Shrimp Scampi is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender shrimp, a garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
- 1 -2 pounds shrimp, deveined, and butterflied
- 1 lb angel hair pasta
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 6 -8 whole garlic cloves
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 shallot, diced
- olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 5 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Freshly chopped parsley
Shrimp
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- milk
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the milk, soak up shrimp and add flour, cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well coated.
- Heat a large pan over medium high heat. Add oil, once hot, add the shrimps and fry until golden brown for about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set side in a paper lined towel and cover to keep warm.
- Fry in batches and add more oil if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium low. Add the whole garlic to the oil and stir for a few minutes. Add the wine and bring it to a boil and simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes until the wine has reduced.
- Add the cream, stir, and bring it back to a boil and simmer on low for about 10 more minutes.
- Add Basil, shallots diced tomato and grated parmesan cheese.
- Give it a good stir and add the fried shrimp. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- In a large pot, add bring and bring to a boil and simmer. Add pasta and cook.
- Tranfer pasta to a serving plate. Pour some sauce and add shrimp.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1060Total Fat 54gSaturated Fat 31gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 623mgSodium 2456mgCarbohydrates 64gFiber 3gSugar 10gProtein 67g
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:
Final Thoughts
Recreating Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi at home allows you to enjoy this restaurant favorite any time you crave it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a cozy night at home, this dish is sure to impress. With the tips, variations, and serving ideas shared here, you can make shrimp scampi that’s every bit as delicious as the original—or even better.
