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Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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