Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

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If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about that irresistible shrimp scampi from Red Lobster, you’re not alone. I used to crave the buttery, garlicky sauce that perfectly coats each shrimp and strand of pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to recreate at home. Once I figured out how to make it myself, it quickly became a go-to for weeknight dinners and date-night meals alike.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen. This Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe checks all the boxes — flavor-packed, quick to prepare, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this dish delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is rich, savory, and balanced by a slight kick from red pepper flakes and a fresh hint of lemon. The garlic-butter sauce melts into the pasta and shrimp, making every bite burst with flavor. It’s also a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, you only need a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes to whip it up.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

I prefer using large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, for this dish. Tail-on shrimp adds a nice presentation, but you can use tail-off if you prefer less fuss while eating. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works just as well—just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture watering down the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can substitute with a mix of olive oil and a little ghee if you’re avoiding dairy.
• White Wine: If you don’t cook with wine, use chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
• Pasta: Linguine is traditional, but angel hair or spaghetti work just as well.
• Parsley: Not a fan? Try fresh basil or a touch of thyme for a different flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Want it mild? Omit them or replace with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth without heat.

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Ingredients for This Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp (large or jumbo, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish. You want fresh or thawed shrimp that cooks quickly and absorbs all that garlicky butter goodness.
• Linguine (or pasta of choice): Acts as the base that carries all the saucy, savory flavors.
• Butter (unsalted): Essential for that rich, silky sauce. It creates the luxurious texture that defines shrimp scampi.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a layer of Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic (minced): A must-have aromatic that infuses the dish with bold, irresistible fragrance.
• White Wine (dry, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc): Adds acidity and depth to the sauce. It also enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Parsley (fresh, chopped): Offers a fresh, herbaceous finish and visual appeal.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Brings out the full flavor of the ingredients.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and black pepper. This step ensures they get a nice sear and don’t release too much water while cooking.

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Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are just opaque and pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

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Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately while it’s hot and glistening. A final squeeze of lemon is optional but recommended for extra zing.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Prep Time: Most of your time will go into prepping the shrimp (peeling, deveining, drying) and mincing the garlic. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Boiling the pasta can be done at the same time, so you’re multitasking right out the gate.

Cooking Time: Once your ingredients are ready, everything comes together fast. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, and the sauce takes another 5 minutes. Toss it all together and you’re ready to plate. Total cooking time is around 15 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Use large shrimp for a juicier, meatier bite.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they become rubbery. Once pink and curled, they’re done.
• Let the wine reduce for deeper flavor.
• Fresh garlic is key — avoid jarred garlic if possible.
• Add pasta water gradually — a splash at a time to loosen the sauce without making it watery.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking shrimp: A common slip-up. They cook quickly — 1–2 minutes per side is enough.
• Using too much lemon juice: It can overpower the buttery flavor. Stick to fresh and measured amounts.
• Skipping the wine or broth: This liquid layer adds essential acidity. Don’t skip it.
• Not seasoning the pasta water: Bland water equals bland pasta.
• Cooking garlic too long: It can burn and turn bitter in seconds. Watch it closely.

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What to Serve With Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

1. Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up all that delicious scampi sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp, creamy salad complements the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bit of earthiness and color to your plate.

4. Steamed Broccoli

Light and healthy, it balances the buttery shrimp well.

5. White Wine (like Pinot Grigio)

Pairs beautifully with the garlicky shrimp and enhances the flavors.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sooner you eat it, the better the texture of the shrimp.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water. Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Freezing: Not recommended — the sauce can separate and shrimp texture degrades. Make fresh when possible.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 190mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best?

Linguine is traditional, but fettuccine or angel hair are also great choices.

Can I make it without wine?

Yes, just use chicken broth and add a splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s not ideal, but possible. Just warm them briefly in the sauce — don’t cook them again or they’ll toughen up.

How spicy is this dish?

Mildly spicy. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to taste or omit entirely.

Is this gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and check labels on other ingredients. Otherwise, it’s not gluten-free by default.

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Conclusion

This Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi delivers restaurant-style results with surprisingly little effort. The buttery, garlicky sauce clings to every shrimp and strand of pasta, making it a luxurious meal you can whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, this dish never fails to impress. And once you make it at home, you might just skip Red Lobster altogether.

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