The Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen. Succulent shrimp are sautéed to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce, accompanied by al dente pasta, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a gourmet dining experience that is surprisingly easy to replicate at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, the vibrant flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs blend beautifully with the tender shrimp, creating a dish that is bursting with taste. It’s also incredibly easy to cook, requiring minimal prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Additionally, this dish fits well into a variety of diets, offering a protein-packed meal that can be paired with whole grain pasta or served over zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and herbs elevate the dish. If possible, buy shrimp that is wild-caught for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they sear rather than steam. This will give them a lovely golden color.
- Timing is Key: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting to cook, as this dish comes together quickly.
- Deglaze with Wine: For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the shrimp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them! They turn opaque and curl into a C-shape when done, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Wrong Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente. It should have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Skipping the Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, so don’t skip it! Add it at the end to enhance the flavors.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare several components of this dish in advance. Cook the pasta a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, drizzled with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking. You can also clean and devein the shrimp a few hours before cooking. Just keep them in a sealed container in the fridge until you’re ready to sauté them. The cooked dish tastes best when served fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Recipe Variations
- Add Vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the sauté.
- Change the Protein: Swap out shrimp for scallops or chicken if you prefer a different protein.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
How to Serve
Serve your Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and a lemon wedge on the side for added brightness. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also be a delicious finishing touch.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For a cocktail option, try a classic Italian Spritz. On the side, consider a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. For dessert, a light sorbet or tiramisu can provide a refreshing finish.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’d like to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume it within 3 months. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables. If you want to make it vegan, replace the shrimp with tofu or chickpeas and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, incorporate fresh cherry tomatoes or zucchini, while in the winter, consider using frozen shrimp and dried herbs if fresh isn’t available. Similarly, you might use seasonal greens such as arugula or kale for added texture and flavor.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for this dish is around $15 for four servings, making it about $3.75 per serving. To save on costs, opt for frozen shrimp instead of fresh, and use dried herbs instead of fresh ones when necessary.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Garlic: Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to make peeling easier and quicker.
- Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane for perfect lemon zest with minimal effort.
- Cooking Pasta: Add salt to the boiling water; it enhances the flavor of the pasta during cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I substitute the shrimp? Yes, you can use scallops, chicken, or even a plant-based protein.
- What type of pasta works best? Linguine or spaghetti work beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you enjoy.
- How long does it take to cook the shrimp? Typically, shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side.
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
The Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen. Succulent shrimp are sautéed to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce, accompanied by al dente pasta, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and lemon juice, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 424Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 270mgSodium 1271mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 32g
Dinnerfocus.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.
Final Thoughts
The Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe is not only a surefire hit for dinner but also a celebration of fresh, bold flavors that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of room for customization, it’s a dish that caters to every palate. So gather your ingredients, bring some friends or family to the table, and enjoy a delightful Italian feast right at home!
