Introduction
If you love Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi, you’re not alone! This creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy pasta dish is a fan favorite at the restaurant. Featuring perfectly cooked shrimp, al dente angel hair pasta, and a rich white wine butter sauce, this dish is indulgent yet light enough for a comforting meal.
The best part? You can now make this restaurant-quality shrimp scampi at home with simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process. This copycat recipe brings you all the flavors of Olive Garden’s version, with the added bonus of adjusting ingredients to your taste.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the perfect homemade shrimp scampi. We’ll cover:
✔ Choosing the best shrimp and pasta
✔ How to cook shrimp scampi just like Olive Garden
✔ Secrets to a flavorful, creamy garlic butter sauce
✔ Variations and customizations to suit your preferences
Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Scampi
To recreate Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that balance creaminess, acidity, and umami flavors.
For the Shrimp & Pasta:
- 1 lb large shrimp – Peeled, deveined, and tail-on for presentation
- 12 oz angel hair pasta – The perfect light pasta for this dish
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the shrimp
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that garlicky depth
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – For a hint of heat (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors
- ¼ tsp black pepper – For a slight kick
- ¼ cup dry white wine – Adds depth (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish and enhances flavors
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – For a silky sauce base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Doubles the garlic flavor
- ¾ cup heavy cream – Gives the sauce its rich texture
- ½ cup chicken broth – Balances the richness
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for umami goodness
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning – Adds a subtle herbal note
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For freshness and garnish
- ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper – Adjust to taste
For Garnish:
- ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved – Adds color and a hint of sweetness
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese – Extra topping for cheesiness
- Fresh parsley, chopped – For a fresh finish
- Lemon wedges – Perfect for squeezing over the final dish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Olive Garden-style Shrimp Scampi at home.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water – Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp salt to the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
- Cook Angel Hair Pasta – Add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 4-5 minutes) until al dente (firm but tender).
- Drain & Set Aside – Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Cover and set aside.
Pro Tip: Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so be sure to check it often to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat the Pan – In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear on Both Sides – Let the shrimp cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking!
- Add Garlic – Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Deglaze with White Wine & Lemon Juice – Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan (scraping up any flavorful bits). Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Remove the Shrimp – Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt Butter – In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
- Add Liquids – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Incorporate Cheese & Seasoning – Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Until Thickened – Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
Pro Tip: The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add Pasta to the Sauce – Toss the cooked angel hair pasta into the pan, stirring gently to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Return Shrimp to the Pan – Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Add Tomatoes & Parsley – Stir in grape tomatoes and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Toss & Adjust Seasoning – Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Plate the Shrimp Scampi – Divide the pasta and shrimp among serving plates.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese – Add extra grated Parmesan on top.
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley – A little extra parsley adds freshness.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it – your very own homemade Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi!
Would you like me to continue with the next section, covering expert tips, variations, and customizations?
Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
Making Olive Garden-style Shrimp Scampi at home is easy, but a few key tips can take your dish from good to restaurant-quality! Follow these pro tricks to perfect your shrimp scampi every time.
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
- Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp have the best flavor, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for a rich, aromatic sauce. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic.
- Parmesan: Use real Parmesan cheese (not pre-shredded) for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds depth to the sauce.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly—about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
3. Cook Pasta Just Right
- Cook angel hair pasta until just al dente (firm but tender). Overcooked pasta absorbs too much sauce, making the dish mushy.
- Toss cooked pasta in a little olive oil to prevent sticking before adding it to the sauce.
4. Balance the Sauce Properly
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for 1-2 extra minutes to reduce slightly.
- Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
5. Add a Kick of Spice (Optional)
For a spicy version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
6. Let the Dish Rest for 2 Minutes Before Serving
Allowing the pasta, shrimp, and sauce to sit together for a minute or two helps the flavors meld.
Variations & Customizations
Want to make your shrimp scampi spicier, healthier, or more unique? Try these easy variations!
1. Make It Spicy
- Add ½ tsp extra red pepper flakes or 1 chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
- Sprinkle with a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
2. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version
- Swap angel hair pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
3. Make It Dairy-Free
- Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative.
4. Add Extra Veggies
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and color.
- Toss in asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Shrimp Scampi
Even a simple dish like shrimp scampi can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Overcooking the Shrimp 🍤
Shrimp cook in just 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and chewy. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Shrimp
- Best choice: Large or jumbo wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Avoid: Pre-cooked shrimp (they won’t absorb flavor) and tiny shrimp (they overcook too fast).
3. Overcooking the Pasta 🍝
Angel hair pasta cooks fast—usually in 4-5 minutes. Overcooked pasta absorbs too much sauce and becomes mushy. Always cook al dente and rinse lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
4. Not Using Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh garlic and Parmesan make a big difference. Pre-minced garlic and pre-shredded Parmesan won’t dissolve properly into the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice adds brightness—bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh, tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Olive Garden shrimp scampi have in it?
Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi includes angel hair pasta, shrimp, grape tomatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce made with white wine, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This copycat recipe closely recreates the restaurant-style version with the same flavors and creamy texture.
Is Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi healthy?
Shrimp scampi can be a healthier pasta option compared to other creamy dishes. It’s lower in calories than Alfredo or carbonara, thanks to its light butter sauce instead of heavy cream. However, it does contain butter and Parmesan cheese, which add fat and sodium. To make it healthier, you can:
✔ Use whole wheat or zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta.
✔ Reduce the butter and opt for olive oil.
✔ Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra fiber.
What’s the difference between scampi and shrimp scampi?
- Scampi (or langoustines) are small lobster-like crustaceans traditionally used in European dishes.
- Shrimp Scampi is an American-Italian dish where shrimp is cooked in a garlic butter sauce, often served over pasta. The term “scampi” refers to the cooking style, not just the seafood.
What is a good wine for shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine enhances the flavor of shrimp scampi. The best options include:
✔ Pinot Grigio – Crisp and light, pairs perfectly with garlic and lemon.
✔ Sauvignon Blanc – Citrusy with herbal notes, complements the sauce.
✔ Unoaked Chardonnay – Buttery and smooth, balances the richness of Parmesan.
Why is scampi so expensive?
Scampi (or langoustines) are rarer and more difficult to catch than shrimp, which makes them more expensive. However, in the U.S., shrimp is used instead, making the dish more affordable while still capturing the delicate, buttery flavor of traditional scampi.
Where does Olive Garden get their shrimp from?
Olive Garden sources its shrimp from various suppliers, primarily farmed shrimp from sustainable sources in Asia and Latin America. The restaurant ensures that its seafood meets quality and sustainability standards for a consistent and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
Now you have the ultimate copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi! This dish is a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and tender angel hair pasta, all tied together with a hint of white wine and fresh lemon juice.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s just as delicious—if not better—than the original! Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a date night, or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress.
Final Recap:
✔ Fresh shrimp and garlic are key to the best flavor.
✔ Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
✔ Balance the sauce by adjusting the thickness and seasoning.
✔ Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
✔ Customize it! Add vegetables, adjust the spice, or make it low-carb.