The Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a delightful recreation of the restaurant favorite. This dish combines sautéed shrimp, bell peppers, and onions with angel hair pasta, all tossed in a buttery lemon garlic scampi sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden at home with customizable vegetables and portion sizes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound shrimp (size of choice, more or less as desired)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ red bell pepper (cut into strips)
- ½ yellow bell pepper (cut into strips)
- ½ green bell pepper (cut into strips)
- ½ medium red onion (sliced)
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta
- Salt (to taste)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ pound unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, 1 stick)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later, drain the pasta, and set aside.
- Prepare the Scampi Sauce:
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until just soft (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and burn off some alcohol.
- Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the remaining butter until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the bell peppers and red onion, cooking for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine and Finish:
- Add the shrimp to the pot with the vegetables, cooking until the shrimp are pink, slightly curled, and opaque.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently toss to combine, being careful not to break the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately in a large dish or as individual portions.
Nutrients
- Calories: 673 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Potassium: 480 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Vitamin A: 1465 IU
- Vitamin C: 66 mg
- Calcium: 59 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish as a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen!
The Allure of Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a timeless classic in Italian-American cuisine, renowned for its delicate balance of flavors. The combination of shrimp, pasta, and a savory garlic butter sauce is both comforting and sophisticated. Olive Garden’s rendition of shrimp scampi has been a fan favorite for years, drawing diners with its bold yet harmonious flavors. The Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi captures this essence, offering a homemade alternative that’s just as satisfying as the restaurant version.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
One of the key aspects of this recipe is its reliance on simple, fresh ingredients. The shrimp, cooked to perfection, provides a tender, juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the al dente angel hair pasta. The inclusion of bell peppers and red onions adds a vibrant splash of color and a slight sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The scampi sauce, with its rich blend of butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon, is the star of the dish, tying all the elements together in a symphony of taste.
Versatility of the Copycat Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This recipe’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths. You can easily adapt it to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For example:
- Vegetable Substitutions: While the recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you can experiment with zucchini, asparagus, or spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, substitute it with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Pasta Variations: Although angel hair pasta works beautifully in this dish, you can swap it for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Achieving the perfect shrimp scampi requires attention to detail and a few simple techniques:
- Cooking Shrimp: Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be pink, slightly curled, and opaque for optimal texture and flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: The scampi sauce should have a smooth, velvety texture. Adding cold butter at the end and whisking it in off the heat helps achieve this consistency.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. The balance of garlic, lemon, and butter is crucial to the dish’s success.
- Pasta Integration: Ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Using reserved pasta water can help achieve the perfect consistency while enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
The Appeal of Homemade Copycat Recipes
Homemade copycat recipes like this one offer several advantages over dining out:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Preparing this dish at home is more economical than ordering it at a restaurant, especially when cooking for a group.
- Customization: You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste, dietary needs, or ingredient availability.
- Quality Control: Cooking at home allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial additives or preservatives.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with side dishes and accompaniments. Consider serving it with:
- Fresh Salads: A simple arugula or Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich scampi sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s buttery and lemony notes.
Health Benefits of Shrimp Scampi
While indulgent, shrimp scampi offers several health benefits:
- Rich in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in the dish provide a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and potassium.
- Antioxidants: Garlic and parsley contain antioxidants that may boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi stands out for its blend of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a romantic meal, or simply craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its combination of tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
The Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. It brings the flavors of Olive Garden to your dining table, allowing you to recreate a beloved restaurant dish in the comfort of your home. With its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian-American cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor every bite of this delightful creation!