Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

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When you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish without leaving your kitchen, this Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi delivers every time. With tender shrimp, a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, it captures the same bold flavors of the iconic Red Lobster favorite—right at home. Whether you’re hosting guests or just looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a showstopper that’s as easy as it is elegant.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a rich, buttery scampi that’s brightened with fresh lemon juice and balanced with a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. Pair it with crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine, and you have a seafood masterpiece without the hefty bill.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best results, use large or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Tail-on shrimp are great for presentation, but you can opt for tail-off if preferred. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp (thawed before cooking) works beautifully too. Just make sure they’re raw and not precooked, as you want them to soak up the buttery garlic flavors during cooking.

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Ingredients for the Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp – The star of the show. Large raw shrimp absorb the sauce and add sweet, briny flavor.

Olive Oil – Helps sear the shrimp to perfection and balances the richness of the butter.

Butter – Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that binds all the ingredients together.

Garlic – Adds robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with shrimp.

White Wine – Brightens the dish and adds depth; choose a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc.

Lemon Juice – Cuts through the richness with fresh, zesty brightness.

Red Pepper Flakes – A hint of heat to liven things up.

Parsley – Fresh herbaceous notes to finish the dish beautifully.

Linguine or Angel Hair Pasta – Acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious scampi sauce.

Salt and Pepper – For seasoning throughout.

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How To Make the Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Season

Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for another minute to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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How to Serve and Store Your Shrimp Scampi

Serve your shrimp scampi fresh and hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

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What to Serve With Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a natural pairing to mop up all the extra scampi sauce.

Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crisp romaine in a Caesar salad provide refreshing contrast.

Roasted Asparagus

A simple side of oven-roasted asparagus balances out the richness of the dish.

Parmesan Zucchini

Zucchini rounds sprinkled with parmesan and roasted are a delicious, low-carb veggie side.

White Wine

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay perfectly complements the citrusy, buttery shrimp.

Herbed Couscous

If you’re skipping pasta, try fluffy couscous with fresh herbs as a hearty alternative.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this garlicky shrimp pasta, check out more deliciously simple and satisfying dishes:

• Creamy Crab Pasta Salad for a cold seafood twist.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a hearty, cheesy comfort meal.
• Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara if you’re craving creamy indulgence.
• Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet for something with a spicy kick.
• Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni to keep things creamy and savory.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a dash of Cajun seasoning or an extra squeeze of lemon? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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