Best Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe | Quick & Easy Dinner

Looking for that iconic Olive Garden shrimp scampi taste but want to make it at home? This copycat Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe delivers all the creamy, garlicky goodness of the restaurant favorite but is surprisingly quick to prepare in your own kitchen. Even better – our version doesn’t require any wine, making it more family-friendly and accessible for those who prefer to cook without alcohol. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality Italian dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!

As someone who’s tested countless shrimp scampi variations, I’ve perfected this recipe to capture that signature Olive Garden flavor while keeping the process straightforward. The secret lies in the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and a splash of lemon that creates a luscious sauce that coats each juicy shrimp perfectly. Let’s dive into this delicious dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

A quick, easy version of the famous Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe that doesn’t require wine but still delivers that authentic restaurant flavor you crave.

Why This Recipe Works

This Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe stands out for several reasons:

• No Wine Needed: Unlike traditional shrimp scampi recipes that call for white wine, this version uses chicken broth with a touch of lemon juice to achieve that same depth of flavor without alcohol.
• Quick Preparation: The entire dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: The combination of fresh garlic, butter, and perfectly sautéed shrimp creates that authentic Olive Garden taste that’s usually reserved for dining out.
• Budget-Friendly: Making this at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at Olive Garden, especially when serving for a family of four or more.
• Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the red pepper flakes to make it as mild or spicy as your family prefers, something you can’t always do at restaurants.

The beauty of this olive garden shrimp scampi recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes complex and indulgent. The buttery garlic sauce clings to each plump shrimp and works perfectly with pasta for a complete meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for everyday cooking.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (16-20 count) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off based on preference
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup finely chopped shallot (about 1 medium)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 12 ounces linguine or angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
• Extra chopped parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
• Pasta pot
• Colander
• Garlic press (optional but helpful)
• Zester or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or tongs for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp:

1. Prepare the shrimp: Dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Heat your skillet: Heat a large skillet on medium-high and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Cook the shrimp: Once the butter is melted and starting to sizzle, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and start to curl. The shrimp should be almost cooked through but not completely (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Show Image
4. Remove the shrimp: Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and place them on a separate plate. These shrimp will be incorporated back into the sauce at a later stage.

Making the Scampi Sauce:

5. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add 3 more tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the shallots begin to soften, being careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then add the lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
7. Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
8. Add cheese and final butter: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until incorporated, creating a silky, smooth sauce. Show Image
9. Return the shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked through and heated.
10. Finish with herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serving:

11. Prepare pasta: While making the sauce, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
12. Combine: There are two ways to combine the cooked pasta and shrimp scampi:

1. Combine in the skillet: If your skillet is large enough, add the drained pasta directly to the shrimp and sauce.
2. Serve separately: Place the pasta in a serving bowl and spoon the shrimp scampi mixture over the top.

If the sauce appears too thick, thin it out by adding a little of the reserved pasta water.

13. Garnish and serve: Garnish with more chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan, if you like. Serve alongside lemon wedges.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Perfect Shrimp: Don’t overcook your shrimp! They should be pink and just curled when done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
• Wine Substitute: This Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe without wine works beautifully, but if you’re looking for other options beyond chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth, clam juice, or even white grape juice with a touch of white vinegar.
• Make it Creamy: For an even richer version, increase the heavy cream to ⅓ cup.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. The current amount gives a gentle warmth without being spicy.
• Protein Variations: This same sauce works wonderfully with scallops or even chicken if you want to switch things up.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce base (through step 7) up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the cheese and butter, then quickly cook the shrimp.
• Storage: Refrigerated leftovers in a sealed container will last for a maximum of 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

The perfect complement to this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe includes:

• Homemade garlic breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce
• Simple green salad: With Italian dressing to mirror the Olive Garden experience
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli: For a complete meal with vegetables
• Tiramisu: For an authentic Italian dessert finale

For drink pairings, consider a sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or if you’re serving adults, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish even though the recipe itself doesn’t contain wine.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (¼ of recipe with ¾ cup pasta):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 225mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: This homemade olive garden shrimp scampi recipe version typically contains less sodium than the restaurant version, and you can further reduce it by using unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Olive Garden shrimp scampi without wine?

Absolutely! This recipe specifically uses chicken broth instead of wine, with lemon juice to add acidity and brightness that would normally come from wine. Many people actually prefer this version as it’s more family-friendly.

What’s the secret to authentic Olive Garden shrimp scampi flavor?

The key is the perfect balance of butter, garlic, and lemon, plus that touch of cream and Parmesan cheese that makes Olive Garden’s version so special. Using fresh garlic rather than jarred makes a significant difference in flavor as well.

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done Just Right ?

Cooked shrimp are pink and opaque, forming a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl into a tight “O” shape and are no longer gray. They should only take 1-2 minutes per side when sautéing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

For best results, cook the sauce and pasta ahead of time, but cook the shrimp just before serving. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and gently reheated before cooking the shrimp.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

For a less rich alternative, using half-and-half is a good choice. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream (not coconut milk) can work, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

Is this healthier than Olive Garden’s version?

This homemade olive garden shrimp scampi recipe version gives you complete control over ingredients and portions. It typically contains less sodium and no preservatives compared to restaurant dishes. You can further lighten it by reducing the butter and using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion

This copycat Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe delivers all the rich, garlicky goodness of the restaurant favorite but in the comfort of your own home – and without the need for wine! It’s the perfect balance of being impressive enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

What makes this olive garden shrimp scampi recipe truly special is how quickly such a seemingly fancy dish comes together. In about 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality Italian dinner that costs a fraction of dining out. The luscious butter-garlic sauce clings to each succulent shrimp and pasta strand, creating a memorable meal your family will request again and again.

I’d love to hear how this recipe worked for you! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve alongside it? Drop a comment below and share your experience with this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe.

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