Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy that is shrimp scampi! It’s one of those dishes that gets your taste buds dancing and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy seaside restaurant. Inspired by the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe, this dish is a delightful symphony of flavors that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I tried it; I was completely hooked! The combination of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and a splash of white wine just makes my heart sing.
What I love most about this recipe is how it captures that restaurant-quality experience right in my own home. It’s quick to whip up, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, so it’s perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste—trust me, the red pepper flakes add just the right kick! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciously simple dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Let’s gather the stars of our show! For this scrumptious Red Lobster shrimp scampi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp – Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for that tender bite!
- 4 tablespoons butter – This is where the magic begins; it adds that rich flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced, of course! Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic goodness.
- 1/2 cup white wine – Choose a dry one; it really enhances the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best for that bright zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adjust to your spice preference—feel free to go bold!
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley – Chopped, to add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste, of course! Seasoning is key.
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti – Your choice of pasta will perfectly carry all those flavors.
How to Prepare Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! This Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it to sizzle, but don’t let it brown too much!
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin the dish!
- Now, pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all those lovely flavors start to meld together!
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking them for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up just a bit—so cute!
- Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Finally, drain your pasta and toss it right into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Make sure to coat the pasta well with that buttery, garlicky goodness.
- Serve immediately! I like to garnish with a bit more fresh parsley on top for that lovely pop of color. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. But hey, it’s a tasty, satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe is a total winner, and here’s why you’ll love it just as much as I do:
- Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests!
- Easy Cooking: The steps are straightforward, making it a great recipe for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros.
- Rich Flavors: The buttery garlic sauce combined with fresh lemon and white wine creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Low-Calorie Option: At around 350 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt!
- Impressive Presentation: It looks beautiful on the plate, so it’s sure to wow anyone you serve it to.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this dish again and again!
Tips for Success with Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
To really nail this Red Lobster shrimp scampi, here are some of my tried-and-true tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp make all the difference in flavor. If you can, get them from a local fish market!
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on them! They cook quickly and are perfect when they turn pink and opaque—overcooked shrimp can get rubbery.
- Quality Wine Matters: Opt for a dry white wine that you’d enjoy drinking. The better the wine, the better the sauce!
- Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes, but start with a little. You can always add more later!
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks pretty but also brightens up the dish. Don’t skip this step!
With these tips in mind, you’ll impress everyone with your homemade shrimp scampi!
Variations of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun twists you can put on this Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe! Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Different Pasta: Swap out the linguine or spaghetti for fettuccine or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Each pasta shape brings a unique texture!
- Add Veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes right before serving for a pop of color and extra nutrients. You can even sauté bell peppers or asparagus with the garlic!
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme if you want to change the flavor profile. Fresh herbs can really elevate the dish!
- Extra Zing: For a citrusy twist, add some lime juice along with the lemon juice. It gives the dish a refreshing kick!
- Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to really take it up a notch!
Have fun with these variations, and make this dish your own! Each twist will keep your taste buds on their toes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers from this delicious Red Lobster shrimp scampi (which is rare but can happen!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that amazing flavor intact. Let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra white wine to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp again, or they’ll turn rubbery! You can also microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, but I find the skillet method keeps it tastier. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Red Lobster shrimp scampi experience even more delightful, I highly recommend serving it with some warm, crusty garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce! You could also pair it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of that same dry white wine you used in the dish makes for a lovely accompaniment. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
FAQ about Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries I get about this delicious Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe:
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I recommend rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. It might not be quite the same, but it’ll still taste delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to reheat gently to keep that shrimp tender!
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini are great options. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the shrimp.
What should I serve with shrimp scampi?
I love pairing it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. It balances the richness of the scampi perfectly!
Delicious Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe for 30-Minute Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious shrimp scampi dish inspired by Red Lobster.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the shrimp mixture.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley on top.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: red lobster shrimp scampi recipe