It’s an indulgent yet simple recipe that takes only a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re craving seafood or simply looking to impress, this dish will satisfy every taste bud.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Pot for boiling pasta
Measuring spoons and cups
Tongs or spatula
Large spoon for serving

Ingredients Overview

Shrimp: The main protein, shrimp are the star of this dish, and they should be fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined.
Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic base to the buttery sauce.
Butter: The rich base for the sauce, giving it a silky, luxurious texture.
Lemon: Brightens up the flavor of the scampi sauce and adds a zesty tang.
Pasta: Typically served over angel hair or spaghetti, the pasta soaks up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of pasta (angel hair or spaghetti works well) according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. If your shrimp are large, you may need to cook them a little longer.

4. Make the Scampi Sauce

Once the shrimp are cooked, add 1/4 cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and the juice of 1 lemon to the skillet. Stir in another 3 tablespoons of butter and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the rich, buttery sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Recipe Tips

Shrimp Size: Use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe for the best texture.
Wine Substitute: If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a good substitute.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick, or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Pasta Variety: While angel hair and spaghetti are traditional, you can use your favorite type of pasta, like linguine or fettuccine.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve this dish with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with this shrimp scampi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Shrimp scampi is best served fresh, as the shrimp can become overcooked if reheated. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply cook the shrimp and pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make this dish without pasta?
Yes, you can serve the shrimp scampi over rice or enjoy it on its own for a lower-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Easy Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce or serve it as a luxurious main course at a dinner party.

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces angel hair or spaghetti pasta
3 tablespoons butter, divided
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
Sauté garlic in 3 tablespoons of butter until fragrant.
Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
Add white wine and lemon juice, stir in butter, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Toss cooked pasta with shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!