Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden-Style: The Recipe Everyone Wants to Try!

Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden is a favorite dish that you can make at home. It’s a classic Italian shrimp dish with tender shrimp in a garlic butter sauce. It’s served over hot pasta, making it a hit with everyone.

Whether you love Olive Garden or just shrimp scampi, this recipe lets you enjoy it at home. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. You can have the Olive Garden taste in your kitchen any time.

Key Takeaways

• Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden is a popular restaurant-style dish that can be recreated at home
• The recipe requires just six key ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare and cook
• Jumbo-sized shrimp (21 to 30 per pound) are recommended for the dish
• The shrimp are sautéed until they turn pink, opaque, and curl
• The sauce is made using a combination of olive oil, butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice

Why This Famous Restaurant-Style Shrimp Dish Became a Favorite

Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden is a hit at Olive Garden because it mixes Italian and American tastes perfectly. Its creamy garlic white wine sauce goes great with the tender shrimp and pasta. The dish also comes with asparagus, onion, and fresh tomato, making it even tastier and healthier.

The History Behind Olive Garden’s Signature Seafood Dish

Shrimp Scampi’s roots are in Italian cooking, where it’s made with garlic, butter, and white wine. As Olive Garden grew in the U.S., chefs added their own spin to this classic.

Olive Garden’s success with Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden comes from its balanced flavors. The creamy garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and firm pasta make every bite unforgettable.

What Makes This Version Special

• Carefully selected high-quality shrimp, often sourced from sustainable fisheries
• Expertly crafted garlic butter sauce with a touch of white wine for added depth of flavor
• Served with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as asparagus, onions, and tomatoes, for a nutritious and well-rounded meal
• Offered with a choice of pasta, including linguine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is loved for its unique mix of flavors and ingredients. It’s a dish that keeps bringing people back for more.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden

To make the famous Shrimp Scampi from Olive Garden, you need a few key ingredients. The base of this Italian shrimp dish is fresh, top-notch shrimp scampi ingredients. These ingredients work together to bring the signature garlic butter shrimp taste.

The shrimp is the heart of the recipe. Choose large, juicy shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This ensures the best texture and look. Garlic is also crucial, adding the unique aroma and savory flavor that makes this dish stand out.

Butter is another key ingredient, making a creamy sauce that covers the shrimp. You’ll also need a bit of dry white wine to deepen the flavors. Lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten and boost the taste.

For the perfect side, pick pasta like linguine or spaghetti. It’s great for soaking up the tasty garlic butter shrimp sauce. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a real Olive Garden-style shrimp scampi at home.

“The secret to the best shrimp scampi lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality shrimp and a balance of garlic, butter, and white wine is key to capturing the essence of this iconic dish.”

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make the Shrimp Scampi dish like Olive Garden’s at home, you need some key tools. These will help you get the same taste and quality in your kitchen.

Must-Have Utensils for Perfect Results

• A large skillet or sauté pan: This is where you’ll cook the shrimp and make the garlic butter sauce.
• A sharp knife: A good chef’s knife makes quick work of garlic and lemon wedges.
• Tongs: These are great for handling the shrimp while cooking and putting the dish together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial to get the Olive Garden taste right.

Optional Equipment for Professional Touch

While the basics are enough, some extra tools can make your Shrimp Scampi even better:

• Garlic press: It makes quick work of mincing garlic for the sauce.
• Zester: Adds fresh lemon zest to the dish for extra flavor.
• Wine opener: You’ll need this to open the white wine for the sauce.

With these kitchen tools and cooking equipment, you’re set to make the Olive Garden pasta utensils dish at home.

Preparing the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is the heart of a delicious Olive Garden-style Shrimp Scampi. It’s a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs well with the tender garlic butter shrimp. To make a real scampi sauce recipe, you need a few ingredients and some cooking skills.

First, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the pan you cooked the shrimp in. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will make the garlic smell great. But, be careful not to burn it, as it can taste bitter.

Then, add 1/2 cup of white wine and let it simmer for 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

As the sauce cooks, it will get thicker, making it velvety. This Olive Garden scampi sauce recipe is just like the one in restaurants. It makes your shrimp scampi dish even better.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Restaurant Quality Results

Want to make your shrimp scampi as good as Olive Garden’s? It’s simpler than you think. Just follow these easy steps to make a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Preparing the Shrimp

First, peel and devein the shrimp. Rinse them in cold water and dry with paper towels. Then, sprinkle them with salt and pepper.

Creating the Signature Sauce

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping the pan.

Lower the heat to low. Mix in the rest of the butter, lemon juice, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer, stirring now and then, until it thickens a bit, about 5 minutes.

Combining All Elements

Put the seasoned shrimp back in the pan. Toss them to coat with the garlic-butter sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until they’re pink and look cooked.

Right away, serve the shrimp scampi over hot linguine or angel hair pasta. Add chopped parsley and lemon wedges for extra freshness.

This easy method lets you enjoy Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi at home. The shrimp scampi recipe is quick to make. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special event.

Selecting and Preparing the Ideal Pasta Companion

Choosing the right pasta is key when making shrimp pasta, seafood pasta, or any pasta recipes with seafood. The classic Olive Garden recipe uses ruffled pappardelle. But, there are other great options to make your shrimp scampi dish even better.

Mafaldine is a favorite, with its narrow shape and curly edges. It’s perfect for catching the garlic sauce. Pappardelle or fettuccine also work well, adding a hearty texture that pairs well with the shrimp.

It’s important to cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be cooked just until it’s done, but still has some bite. This way, it won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce and shrimp.

“The key is to toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce just before serving, so everything comes together in perfect harmony.”

By picking the right pasta and cooking it just right, you’ll make a shrimp pasta dish that’s as good as a restaurant’s. The choice of pasta can really make your dish stand out.

Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Pairing wine with Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden-style is easy. A crisp white wine is perfect. Try a light Pinot Grigio or a zesty Sauvignon Blanc. They balance the creamy garlic butter sauce well.

Best Wine Selections

Here are some top wine choices:

• Pinot Grigio: Its citrusy notes match the shrimp and garlic.
• Sauvignon Blanc: This white from New Zealand or California has bright acidity.
• Chardonnay: A medium-bodied Chardonnay with a hint of oak is also great.

Garnishing Tips

Adding garnishes can make your Shrimp Scampi even better:

1. Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh taste and color.
2. Grated Parmesan Cheese: It brings a savory flavor and creamy texture.
3. Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish.

Serve the Shrimp Scampi right after mixing everything. This ensures the best flavor and texture.

Only 3 out of 32 recipes mention wine pairing suggestions. This shows how valuable this info is for a complete dining experience.

Storage Tips and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoying Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden-Style doesn’t have to end when you’re done eating. You can keep enjoying it for days with the right storage and reheating. Let’s look at how to keep this seafood dish fresh and flavorful.

Storing Leftover Shrimp Scampi

To keep your leftover Shrimp Scampi tasting great, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use shrimp that are 16/20 in size, meaning 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. This size helps keep the shrimp fresh during storage.

Reheating Shrimp Scampi

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat the Shrimp Scampi gently. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. Before reheating, add a little white wine or water to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful.

Don’t overcook the shrimp. They can get tough and rubbery if reheated too long. Warm the Shrimp Scampi just until it’s hot, about 2-3 minutes on the stovetop or 1-2 minutes in the microwave. This way, you can enjoy it without losing the shrimp’s delicate texture.

By using these storage tips and reheating guidelines, you can enjoy Olive Garden-style Shrimp Scampi even after the first meal. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this beloved dish, even with your leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Shrimp Scampi

Making the perfect shrimp scampi is a fun challenge. But, there are a few mistakes to avoid. One big mistake is overcooking the shrimp. This makes them tough and rubbery. So, it’s important to watch the cooking time and temperature closely.

Temperature Control Issues

Getting the right temperature is crucial when cooking the shrimp. If the heat is too high, the outside cooks before the inside. On the other hand, too low heat can make the shrimp release too much moisture. This makes the dish watery and unappealing.

Try to use medium-high heat. Keep an eye on the shrimp. Remove them from the pan when they turn pink and curl slightly.

Sauce Consistency Problems

Getting the shrimp scampi sauce just right can be tricky. If it’s too thin, it won’t stick to the pasta and shrimp. But, if it’s too thick, it can overpower the flavors.

Watch the sauce as it simmers. Adjust the heat and add a little cream or butter if needed. This will help it become creamy and pourable.