Dive into the flavors of Italy with this Olive Garden shrimp scampi copycat recipe, blending perfectly sautéed shrimp with angel hair pasta in a wine-infused sauce. Ideal for both intimate dinners and festive gatherings, this dish captures the spirit of Italian cuisine, offering a feast for both asparagus enthusiasts and seafood aficionados.
Imagine the pleasure of savoring each bite, where the shrimp's seasoning perfectly complements the pasta's delicate texture. Begin your Italian culinary adventure today and consider pairing it with a homemade version of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana for a complete dining experience.
Required Utensils
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp
- Knife and cutting board for prep work
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs for stirring and serving
Prep Time
Preparing your kitchen for this delightful shrimp scampi recipe takes minimal time. From gathering your utensils to having the ingredients ready, you're looking at approximately 10 minutes of prep time. Make sure your shrimp are thawed and ready to go if you're using frozen shrimp to ensure a seamless cooking experience.
Ingredients for Scampi Success
- 1 pound of deveined shrimp, fresh or frozen
- 8 ounces of angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic
- ½ cup of dry white wine
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes, fresh or canned
- ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are organized in the order you will use them during the cooking process, and precise measurements are provided to ensure scampi success. Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the tantalizing aromas of this beloved dish!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shrimp Scampi
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine and add the diced tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, fresh lemon juice, and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately to asparagus fans and all your guests.
Additional Choices
- For a healthier twist, substitute traditional pasta with light and thin zucchini noodles.
- Enhance the dish with fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
These additional choices allow you to tailor the classic Olive Garden recipe to your personal taste and dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
- Sodium: 910mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin C: 15% of daily value
Preparing the Perfect Dish
When it's time to serve, place a generous helping of angel hair pasta on each plate and top with the sautéed shrimp and scampi sauce. For those seeking a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles, which are both light and thin, can be a delightful substitute for pasta. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, providing a balanced and satisfying meal. Don't forget to serve with warm Olive Garden breadsticks for an authentic Italian dining experience.
To elevate your Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi experience, consider pairing it with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc which complements the flavors beautifully. As for side dishes, a simple garden salad or steamed asparagus would be a delightful addition. And don't forget the Olive Garden breadsticks for that authentic restaurant touch!
How to Store Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe
- Allow the shrimp scampi to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place the leftover scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, simply warm the scampi in a sauté pan over medium heat until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- If you're freezing, store in a freezer-safe airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Proper storage ensures that the flavors of this copycat Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe remain as delightful as when it was first cooked, providing a delicious meal for another day.
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Shrimp Scampi
- To prevent overcooking, sauté shrimp just until they turn pink and start to curl, typically 2-3 minutes on each side.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer for an additional few minutes to reduce it, or add a tablespoon of unsalted butter for richness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving.
These tips and tricks will help you navigate common challenges and enhance your shrimp scampi, making it a dish to remember.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to personalize your shrimp scampi by adding other seafood such as scallops or calamari. Get creative with the garlic sauce by incorporating a splash of cream or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
These recipe notes encourage you to experiment with flavors and ingredients, turning the classic Olive Garden recipe into a unique creation of your own.
What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Made Of?
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is made from fresh shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked in a large pot with two tablespoons of olive oil until pink. This dish is known for its light lemon garlic scampi sauce, tossed with cooked pasta and asparagus.
To replicate the Olive Garden shrimp scampi copycat recipe at home, ingredients like garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and asparagus are essential, along with the shrimp, to capture the classic Olive Garden flavor.
What is the Sauce of Shrimp Scampi Made Of?
The shrimp scampi sauce is primarily made from garlic, butter, lemon juice, and white wine, creating a rich and flavorful lemon garlic scampi sauce. Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe without wine, chicken broth, or additional lemon juice can be used as a substitute for those making a copycat.
This sauce is then combined with cooked shrimp and tossed with pasta, often finished with a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
What Makes a Scampi a Scampi?
Scampi is characterized by its preparation method and key ingredients: shrimp or langoustines cooked in garlic butter sauce, often with lemon and parsley. The term originally referred to a dish made with langoustines but has evolved to include shrimp. What makes a scampi distinctive is the lemon garlic scampi sauce, which provides a rich flavor profile.
This combination of flavors is pivotal in dishes like Olive Garden's shrimp scampi alongside fresh shrimp and pasta.
Is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Healthy?
Olive Garden shrimp scampi can be considered a healthier option on their menu, especially because it features shrimp as a lean protein source and includes vegetables like asparagus. However, the healthiness can vary based on the amount of oil and butter used in the sauce.
For a lighter version, reducing the butter and oil quantities and incorporating more vegetables could make the dish even healthier while still enjoying the classic Olive Garden recipe for shrimp scampi.
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe - A Seafood Delight
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp
- Knife and cutting board for prep work
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs for stirring and serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound of deveined shrimp, fresh or frozen
- 8 ounces of angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic
- ½ cup of dry white wine
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes, fresh or canned
- ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine and add the diced tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, fresh lemon juice, and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately to asparagus fans and all your guests.
Notes
- Feel free to personalize your shrimp scampi by adding other seafood such as scallops or calamari. Get creative with the garlic sauce by incorporating a splash of cream or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- These recipe notes encourage you to experiment with flavors and ingredients, turning the classic Olive Garden recipe into a unique creation of your own.
More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe
Olive Garden Italian Margarita Recipe
Olive Garden Meatball Recipe
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