Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi - Perfect Pasta with Fresh Shrimp

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is one of the beloved dishes served at Olive Garden. It is well-reputed for its strong flavors, juicy shrimp, and freshly cooked pasta. The delicate balance of lemony buttery sauce, white wine, fresh herbs, and plump shrimp makes it light and soulful. And what if you can re-create the restaurant-style Shrimp Scampi in your kitchen?

This step-by-step guide helps you recreate Olive Garden’s fan-favorite dish, with tips and tricks for getting that signature restaurant-quality taste.

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What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi is a mouth-watering combination of plump, tender shrimp sautéed in a lemon-garlic butter sauce and served over angel hair pasta at the Olive Garden. It is garnished with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and often just a dash of red pepper flakes for mild heat. The dish is light yet enjoys a big flavor profile, meaning lunch or dinner works equally well.

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Price: $20.49

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe – An Easy Kitchen Guide

Ingredients

The following ingredients are required to put the magic together.

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on or off as you prefer
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Salt, to taste

Pasta:

8 ounces angel hair pasta, or your chosen thin pasta
¼ cup of reserved pasta water
Garnish:
Fresh chopped parsley
Grated parmesan cheese

Work Procedure

Step 1: Make the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and salt, and transfer to a boil.
Cook the angel hair pasta according to the instructions on the packaging until it is al dente.
Before draining the angel hair, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, constantly drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
Using a single layer, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it turns pink and opaque. Remove from the heat and set apart.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Combine the Dish

Let the pasta return to the skillet and toss it with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
Carefully toss the pasta with the shrimp.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

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Behind the Shrimp Scampi at Olive Garden

1. High-Quality Ingredients

Olive Garden ensures that its dishes express taste by using fresh, high-quality ingredients. From peeled and deveined shrimp to zesty lemons and aromatic garlic, everything speaks volumes about the dish.

2. Balance of Flavor

Olive Garden balances the richness of butter with both citric acid from the lemon juice and the acidity from white wine. The sauce coats the pasta and complements the flavor of the shrimp without ever overpowering it.

3. Attention to Technique

Cooking technique and timing are all important. The shrimp should be cooked fair to tender, and the pasta should be boiled to al dente, so they get the right texture with every delicious bite.

Pro Tips for Olive Garden-Style Perfection

1. Use Fresh Shrimp

Use fresh shrimp to keep everything tender and flavorful. If you have to use previously frozen shrimp, let it thaw completely and pat it dry before cooking.

2. Don’t Overcook The Shrimp

The shrimp cook very quickly, and if you’re going to cook it for too long, they will become rubbery. Hence the moment the shrimp turn pink and curl a bit, you know they are ready.

3. Balance Out The Sauce

As with taste, keep tasting your sauce as you make it. This way you can tell how much salt or lemon juice, even if more wine is to your liking.

4. Control The Spice

If you desire heat, just amp up the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder way, don’t put in any, which is fine too.

5. Perfect Pairings

Consider pairing Shrimp Scampi with light sides, like steamed vegetables, Caesar salad, or crusty bread for a complete Olive Garden-style meal.

Side And Drink Suggestions Pair Well With Shrimp Scampi

Appetizer: Garlic breadsticks or bruschetta.
Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with Italian dressing.
Wine: White: A cold glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Dessert: Tiramisu or light lemon sorbet to clear the palate between courses.

Official Website

Official Site

FAQs

Anything is possible! Angel hair is the traditional type, but linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work fine.

Use extra chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for white wine.

Definitely! Substitute dairy-free butter or olive oil for regular butter, and skip the Parmesan cheese.

Leftovers can be stored for about 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat the sauce, gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi is a dish that epitomizes both simplicity and elegance, a feast fit for any occasion. All it takes is the right ingredients and these simple steps for you to whip this favorite into your kitchen. Whether you whip this up for dinner with the family, a romantic evening or just to pamper yourself, this recipe promises to serve up the same comfort that Olive Garden is adored for.

Enjoy your time preparing this lovely dish and don’t forget the most needed touch; topping it off with fresh parsley and Parmesan for that authentic restaurant look.

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi – Perfect Pasta with Fresh Shrimp

What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?