Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. Juicy shrimp, tender asparagus, and a tangy lemon-garlic sauce make it a perfect dinner for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, thawed
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup asparagus, cut in half
• 1/8 cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add 1 teaspoon salt to the boiling water. Meanwhile, warm a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Stir the shrimp until they turn pink, about 4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
4. Step 4: While the pasta cooks, add olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
5. Step 5: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and lemon juice.
6. Step 6: Add the heavy cream and more butter to the sauce. Stir in the cooked shrimp, diced tomatoes, and cooked pasta. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with extra chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Add a pinch of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herb flavor.
• Use fresh tomatoes in season instead of canned for a brighter, fresher taste.
• If asparagus isn’t available, try substituting with green beans or broccoli florets.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What type of pasta works best for shrimp scampi?

Angel hair pasta is ideal because it cooks quickly and complements the light sauce, but linguine or spaghetti are great alternatives if you prefer.

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 116 reviews

This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh asparagus, and a creamy white wine sauce. It combines garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan cheese for a delightful, restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

Shrimp and Sauce

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup asparagus, cut in half
• 1/8 cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Shrimp: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a warm skillet over medium heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir the shrimp in the skillet until they turn pink, about 4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use 1 teaspoon salt). Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the diced yellow onion over medium heat for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer Liquids: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors concentrate.
5. Add Vegetables and Flavorings: Stir in the asparagus pieces and lemon juice. Follow by adding the heavy cream and remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, stirring well to combine and create a creamy texture.
6. Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes and cooked angel hair pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat with the sauce and heat through.
7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese as a garnish before serving. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh shrimp if available; if using frozen, thaw thoroughly before cooking.
• Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
• White wine adds depth of flavor, but chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
• For a lighter version, reduce butter and heavy cream quantities.
• The asparagus can be substituted with other vegetables like green beans or zucchini.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Olive Garden Copycat, Angel Hair Pasta, Creamy Garlic Shrimp, Italian Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner