Shrimp scampi is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style, and for good reason. It’s delicious, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, combining tender shrimp with a rich, garlic-butter sauce. And when it comes to shrimp scampi, Olive Garden has mastered the art of creating the perfect balance of flavors, making it one of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes.
If you’ve ever enjoyed this mouthwatering meal at Olive Garden, you’ve likely wondered how to recreate it at home. In this ultimate guide to Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi, you’ll discover everything you need to know—from the dish’s origins to how to cook it like a pro. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a classic or experiment with a twist, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the secrets behind this irresistible dish!
Table of Contents
What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a signature Italian-American dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served over a bed of pasta. While the name “scampi” refers to a type of crustacean, the dish is typically made using shrimp in the United States, as scampi (also known as Norway lobster or langoustine) is not as readily available.
At Olive Garden, this dish is a fan favorite, thanks to its perfect balance of flavors. The shrimp is sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, infused with white wine, lemon juice, and Italian herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s both rich and tangy. When paired with perfectly cooked pasta, Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi becomes a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.
Why is Shrimp Scampi Popular?
The popularity of shrimp scampi can be traced back to its perfect marriage of flavors. The combination of shrimp, garlic, butter, and a touch of acidity from lemon and wine creates a dish that is both savory and fresh. Here are a few reasons why shrimp scampi continues to be a crowd-pleaser:
- Quick and Easy: Shrimp cooks quickly, making this dish ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you’re short on time.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish, delivering a rich, garlicky taste that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Versatile: Shrimp scampi can be customized in many ways. You can adjust the level of garlic, spice, and acidity to suit your personal tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, from seafood lovers to those who prefer lighter, Italian-inspired meals.
These elements, combined with its easy-to-make nature, explain why shrimp scampi has earned its place as one of the most popular dishes on Olive Garden’s menu and beyond.
Key Ingredients in Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
To recreate Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s take a look at what makes this dish so delicious:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp is the main protein of the dish. You want to choose large, deveined shrimp with the shells removed. You can use frozen shrimp, but fresh shrimp tends to offer the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic, bold flavor. You’ll want to sauté the garlic in butter to release its rich aroma and flavor.
- Butter: The key to creating a smooth, velvety sauce is butter. Olive Garden uses a generous amount of butter in their recipe, giving the dish its signature richness.
- Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil is used to cook the shrimp, helping prevent the butter from burning while ensuring the shrimp cook evenly.
- White Wine: A dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer to cook without wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar effect.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the butter and adds a touch of brightness to the dish.
- Italian Herbs: A mix of fresh or dried Italian herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano give the sauce a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Pasta: Olive Garden traditionally serves shrimp scampi over linguine, but you can use other types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options.
The Secret Behind Olive Garden’s Recipe
What makes Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi stand out is its simplicity. The dish features a balance of rich, buttery flavors with a touch of acidity and freshness. Olive Garden achieves this by combining high-quality ingredients with the perfect technique.
The garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish. The restaurant’s chefs ensure that the garlic is cooked just right—tender and fragrant without becoming burnt or bitter. Olive Garden also uses a subtle amount of white wine, which adds a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the butter. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, never overdone or rubbery.
While many recipes use cream to thicken the sauce, Olive Garden’s version is lighter, relying on the butter and wine to create a silky-smooth consistency. This gives the dish a clean, fresh taste that’s not weighed down by heavy cream.
How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at Home
Now that you know what makes Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi so special, let’s walk through how you can make it in your own kitchen.
Olive Garden
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan A wide, non-stick skillet or sauté pan is perfect for cooking the shrimp and preparing the garlic butter sauce.
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta You’ll need a big pot to cook the pasta (typically linguine, but any pasta of your choice will work). Ensure there’s enough room for the pasta to cook without sticking together.
- Colander Used to drain the pasta once it’s cooked. Make sure to reserve a bit of the pasta water for later if the sauce needs adjusting.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs For stirring the garlic butter sauce and tossing the shrimp and pasta together. A wooden spoon won’t scratch your pan, and tongs can help toss the shrimp evenly.
- Lemon Juicer or Squeezer To easily extract fresh lemon juice without seeds. You can also use a hand-held juicer for maximum yield.
- Garlic Press (Optional) If you don’t want to mince the garlic by hand, a garlic press is a helpful tool for quick preparation.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups For measuring out ingredients like olive oil, wine, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping garlic, fresh parsley, and cutting the lemon.
- Serving Plates For plating your finished dish and serving it hot!
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
8 ounces linguine (or your preferred pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze with Wine: Add the white wine to the skillet, stirring to loosen any bits stuck to the pan. Let the wine simmer for about 3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, and if the sauce seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Shrimp Tips: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp if available. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
- Pasta Alternatives: While angel hair pasta is traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Customizations: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Wine Substitution: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a splash of apple cider vinegar can replace white wine.
Choosing the Right Shrimp for Scampi
The quality of shrimp can make or break your scampi dish. Here’s what you should look for:
- Size: Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) are ideal for shrimp scampi. They’re big enough to stand up to the rich sauce but small enough to cook quickly.
- Freshness: Always go for fresh shrimp when possible. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but fresh shrimp will have a better flavor and texture.
- Sourcing: Look for sustainably sourced shrimp to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality product.
Perfecting the Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is what makes shrimp scampi irresistible. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and if you leave it in the pan too long, it can burn and turn bitter. Sauté it gently and keep a close eye on it.
- Use High-Quality Butter: The better the butter, the richer and more flavorful your sauce will be. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
- Wine Balance: A dry white wine adds depth to the sauce, but don’t overdo it. You want just enough to complement the garlic and shrimp, not overpower it.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx. 1 Cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 190mg |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Shrimp Scampi for Special Diets
Shrimp scampi can be adapted for various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter, lower-carb option.
- Keto: Stick with a low-carb pasta alternative or serve the shrimp and garlic butter sauce over sautéed vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to make the dish suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals.
FAQs About Shrimp Scampi
How can I make shrimp scampi gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute wine in shrimp scampi?
Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.
What type of shrimp is best for scampi?
Medium to large shrimp, fresh or frozen, work best. Always opt for deveined shrimp for convenience.
How do I store leftovers?
Store shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Is shrimp scampi healthy?
It can be! Opt for whole-grain pasta and reduce the butter for a lighter version.
What wine pairs best with shrimp scampi?
A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that never disappoints. By using high-quality ingredients, mastering the garlic butter sauce, and cooking your shrimp to perfection, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So go ahead and try making it at home, and experience the magic of this classic dish for yourself.
