The Best Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Chef’s Guide

As a chef who has spent years perfecting Italian-American classics, I can tell you that Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi holds a special place in many food lovers’ hearts. I remember the first time I tasted this iconic dish – the perfect balance of garlic, white wine, and tender shrimp coating each strand of angel hair pasta. Today, I’m excited to share my professional insights on recreating this beloved dish in your own kitchen, with all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.

The Secret Behind Olive Garden’s Signature Shrimp Scampi

What makes Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi so irresistible is its rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. The restaurant has mastered the delicate balance of flavors, creating a dish that’s both luxurious and comforting. While the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, my version comes incredibly close to the restaurant experience.

How To Make Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Scampi

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

Learn how to make Olive Garden-style Shrimp Scampi with health benefits, pairing tips, and storage advice.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp 16-20 count, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 cloves fresh garlic minced
• 1 cup dry white wine preferably Pinot Grigio
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• Reserved pasta water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

Preparing the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
• Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
• Drain pasta but don’t rinse it

Creating the Perfect Scampi Sauce

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
• Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
• Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmer for 3-4 minutes
• Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink
• Remove shrimp temporarily from the pan

Bringing It All Together

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce
• Return shrimp to the pan
• Add remaining butter and toss everything together
• Add pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency
• Season with salt and pepper
• Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese

Keyword Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Nutrition Information

For those watching their nutrition, here’s what you can expect per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 650
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 32g

Customization Options and Variations

While the classic recipe is fantastic, here are some ways to make it your own:

1. Lighter Version:

• Reduce butter by half
• Use whole wheat pasta
• Add more vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes

2. Spicier Version:

• Double the red pepper flakes
• Add cayenne pepper
• Include fresh sliced jalapeños

3. Seafood Lover’s Version:

• Add scallops
• Include mussels
• Mix in some calamari

Common FAQs About Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

Health Benefits of Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

When prepared thoughtfully, this dish offers several nutritional benefits:

1. Shrimp provides:

• High-quality protein
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Selenium and iodine

2. Garlic offers:

• Immune system support
• Cardiovascular benefits
• Anti-inflammatory properties

3. Olive oil contains:

• Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin E

learn more about Health Benefits of Shrimp

Pairing Suggestions

To complete your Olive Garden-inspired meal, consider serving your shrimp scampi with:

• Fresh garden salad with Italian dressing
• Warm breadsticks
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of the same white wine used in cooking

Storage and Reheating Tips

To maintain quality when storing:

1. Storage:

• Keep in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days
• Store pasta and sauce separately if possible

2. Reheating:

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth
• Heat gently on stovetop
• Avoid microwave if possible to prevent rubbery shrimp

Conclusion

Creating restaurant-quality Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at home is absolutely achievable with the right techniques and ingredients. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and wine to create a sauce that’s both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving this classic dish, following these steps will help you create a memorable meal.

Ready to start cooking? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Share your results on social media, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next special dinner. The joy of creating restaurant-quality dishes at home is unmatched, and this shrimp scampi recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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