Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Easy copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe with less fat and sodium. Restaurant-quality garlic shrimp in 25 minutes at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons white whole wheat pasta or pasta of choice, cooked
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 3
Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they just start to turn pink, then remove to a plate.
- 4
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- 6
Carefully pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- 7
Add the fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and thyme to the sauce and stir well to combine.
- 8
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- 9
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
- 10
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and basil.
- 11
Taste and adjust seasonings with additional sea salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- 12
Divide the cooked pasta among serving bowls and top with the shrimp and sauce.
- 13
Garnish with lemon zest and a light sprinkle of paprika for color and added flavor.
- 14
Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the sauce is at its most flavorful.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter (4 tablespoons total) | Butter (2 tablespoons) + Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons) | Reduces saturated fat intake while maintaining richness through the combination of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil |
| 1 cup heavy cream (traditional restaurant version) | 2 tablespoons chicken broth + fresh lemon juice | Eliminates unnecessary heavy cream and reduces saturated fat by 80% while keeping the sauce silky through natural shrimp liquid and broth reduction |
| 1/2 teaspoon table salt in original sauce | 1/4 teaspoon sea salt | Reduces sodium content by 50% to support heart health and lower blood pressure; sea salt provides better mineral content |
| Dry white wine | Dry white wine or 1/4 cup additional chicken broth with 2 tablespoons white vinegar | Provides an alcohol-free alternative while maintaining the acidic brightness and depth needed for authentic scampi flavor |
| Regular pasta | White whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles | Increases fiber content and reduces refined carbohydrates; improves blood sugar response and supports gut health |
| Dried garlic powder (restaurant versions sometimes use this) | Fresh minced garlic | Fresh garlic contains more allicin, a sulfur compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties lost in drying |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 275mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 42g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
