Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

When it comes to savoring the epitome of Italian-American culinary delight, Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi stands as a beacon of flavor and elegance.

This iconic dish, nestled within the beloved Olive Garden menu, captivates with its perfect blend of succulent shrimp, al dente shrimp pasta, and a delicate, buttery garlic sauce. It’s a masterpiece that transforms a simple lunch into an unforgettable dining experience.

Imagine the harmonious medley of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and freshly grated parmesan enveloping tender shrimp. Each bite takes you on a journey through the heart of Olive Garden Italian cuisine, known for its timeless appeal and irresistible charm. Whether you’re a loyal patron of this Italian restaurant or an aspiring home chef eager to recreate the magic of this shrimp scampi recipe, this dish offers a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress.

Are you ready to dive fork-first into this creamy, zesty creation? Let’s explore the secrets behind crafting the ultimate parmesan shrimp dish that rivals the best of Italy. Prepare to indulge your senses and elevate your next meal into something truly extraordinary!

The Story Behind Olive Garden’s Iconic Shrimp Scampi

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is a beloved dish that blends Italian and American flavors. With its rich, garlicky cream sauce and tender pasta, it’s a favorite among many. The dish is celebrated for its harmonious mix of tastes and textures.

Evolution of the Classic Italian-American Dish

Shrimp scampi started in Italy with garlic, white wine, and butter. When it came to the US, it changed to include lemon juice, parsley, and breadcrumbs. Olive Garden’s version adds a creamy sauce to the mix, making it even more delicious.

Why This Dish Became an Olive Garden Favorite

There are plenty of reasons why Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is so adored. The restaurant carefully selects premium ingredients, such as fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs. The dish masterfully blends traditional Italian flavors with rich, creamy sauces, making it a favorite among fans of Olive Garden’s Italian cuisine.

“Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi showcases the restaurant’s skill in blending Italian and American culinary traditions, resulting in a dish that’s both rich and refined.”

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi has a storied past and a flavor that keeps guests returning for more. It’s a top choice for those who love Italian-American cuisine.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic olive garden shrimp scampi

Crafting the perfect Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi starts with selecting the finest ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich, vibrant flavors that make this dish a favorite. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Key Players

• Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp with tails on for an authentic look and added flavor. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp work best for this dish.
• Pasta: Use angel hair or thin spaghetti for the classic shrimp pasta texture that perfectly complements the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the rich, aromatic base of the scampi sauce.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of these two fats provides depth and creaminess to the sauce.
• White Wine: A dry white wine enhances the flavor profile with a subtle tang. If you prefer, substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free option.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, balancing the richness of the dish.

Flavor Enhancers

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan is the hallmark of Olive Garden Italian cuisine, adding a nutty and creamy finish.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and a touch of red pepper flakes bring a vibrant, slightly spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine.

Practical Tips

1. Prep Ingredients Ahead: Shrimp cooks quickly, so have everything ready before you start to ensure seamless cooking.
2. Use High-Quality Parmesan: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
3. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook until they turn pink and slightly curled to maintain their juicy texture.

These ingredients and tips will help you create a restaurant-worthy shrimp scampi recipe at home, bringing the best of an Italian restaurant to your kitchen.

Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Shrimp

When making a classic Olive Garden shrimp scampi, selecting the right shrimp is essential. The best option is large shrimp, usually around 21-25 per pound. These shrimp stay tender and offer a fantastic texture. Properly cleaning and deveining the shrimp is also crucial for achieving the perfect dish.

Selecting the Right Size Shrimp

Each serving requires 4-6 ounces of shrimp, which equals about 5-7 large pieces. This portion size is perfect, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture

Cleaning and Deveining Tips

Before cooking, clean and devein the shrimp to eliminate the gritty digestive tract and any impurities. Rinse them with cold water and use a knife to carefully remove the dark vein.

Fresh vs. Frozen Options

Fresh shrimp are the best choice, but frozen shrimp can also work if thawed correctly. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or rinse them under cold water for 15-20 minutes. Always thaw shrimp in the fridge, rather than at room temperature, to avoid bacterial growth.

By choosing and preparing your shrimp carefully, you’ll make a delicious Olive Garden-style shrimp scampi. This step makes sure the seafood is the star of your seafood pasta dish.

Creating the Signature Garlic Wine Sauce

The key to Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi lies in its garlic wine sauce. Begin by sautéing minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes in olive oil until aromatic. This creates the base for the next steps.

Next, pour in a splash of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and let it simmer until it reduces by half. This concentrates the wine’s flavor, creating a smooth and velvety sauce. Once reduced, incorporate cold butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The butter and cream lend a silky texture, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory note.

Feel free to adjust the garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Use less for a milder flavor, or add more for a bolder kick. For a non-alcoholic option, substitute chicken or vegetable broth in place of the wine.

The garlic wine sauce is a key component of Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi. Perfecting this sauce allows you to recreate the restaurant’s dish at home, sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Pasta Selection and Cooking Techniques

Creating the perfect shrimp pasta at home begins with choosing the right pasta and cooking it properly. Olive Garden’s signature shrimp scampi is served with angel hair pasta, but you can also opt for spaghetti or linguine for a similar flavor and texture.

Al Dente Perfection Guide

Cooking the pasta to an al dente texture is key. It should be firm yet tender. Keep an eye on it as it cooks, since pasta can quickly go from perfectly done to overcooked.

Perfect shrimp pasta has a bit of chew. This complements the tender shrimp and the flavorful sauce beautifully.

Pasta Water Secret Tips

• Before draining the pasta, set aside some of the cooking water. This starchy liquid is crucial for helping to create the sauce.
• The starch in the pasta water helps thicken the sauce and allows it to cling to the noodles.
• Gradually add the pasta water to the sauce, stirring continuously, until the desired consistency is reached.
• For a healthier option, try zucchini noodles or serve the shrimp scampi over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.

With these tips, you can recreate a delicious Olive Garden shrimp scampi at home. It’s a flavorful and authentic Italian dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making shrimp scampi at home is easy. Just follow a few simple steps to bring the Olive Garden flavor to your kitchen. Here’s how to prepare this delicious seafood pasta.

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it, but make sure to save some of the pasta water for later use.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Once finished, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic in the remaining butter for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Next, add the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
4. Add the heavy cream and lemon juice to the garlic and wine mixture, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken a bit.
5. Return the cooked shrimp, pasta, and asparagus to the skillet. Toss everything together, and add some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes and heat until they’re tender but still crisp.
7. Finally, serve the shrimp scampi pasta hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

This shrimp scampi recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick and easy weeknight lunch. Cook the pasta and shrimp simultaneously while you prepare the sauce. Your guests will be wowed by this flavorful seafood pasta dish!

Adding Fresh Vegetables: Asparagus and Tomatoes

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi recipe is elevated by fresh asparagus and succulent tomatoes. These ingredients add to the dish’s flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.

Proper Vegetable Preparation

Opt for thin asparagus spears for faster cooking. Trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces, making them ideal for shrimp scampi.

For tomatoes, choose Roma or cherry varieties. Dice Roma tomatoes or halve cherry tomatoes to maintain their freshness and juiciness.

Timing Your Additions

Add the asparagus to the garlic-wine sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will cook it perfectly, maintaining its crispness.

Add the tomatoes at the end to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming mushy.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Add them at the appropriate time to ensure they cook perfectly.

By selecting and preparing vegetables carefully, and adding them at the right time, you create a beautiful Olive Garden-inspired dish. It showcases the fresh, authentic Italian flavors of shrimp pasta.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is a cherished dish that can be adapted to suit various diets and preferences. It can easily be modified to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in calories, and you can also swap the shrimp for a different protein.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To lower the calorie count, reduce the amount of butter and cream in the Parmesan shrimp sauce. This cuts down on fat and calories while still preserving the rich flavors.

Dairy-Free Modifications

For a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil for butter and swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. This keeps the creamy texture without any dairy.

Lighter Variations

To cut calories, use less butter and cream in the Parmesan shrimp sauce. This lowers the fat and calorie content while maintaining the flavor.

Protein Swaps

You can transform shrimp scampi into chicken scampi by using chicken breasts instead. Adding a breading to the chicken enhances both its texture and flavor.

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi recipe is highly adaptable. It can be customized to suit your dietary preferences and tastes. With just a few adjustments, you can enjoy this Italian-American dish exactly how you like it.

Plating and Presentation Tips

To make your shrimp scampi resemble Olive Garden’s, serve it in large, shallow bowls. Twirl the pasta and top it with the shrimp, asparagus, and tomatoes. Drizzle with extra sauce and finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

For an extra touch, add a lemon wedge on the side. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by warm breadsticks or garlic bread, to create a complete Italian meal at home.

When plating, focus on creating a dish that is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Try to replicate Olive Garden’s style, where the ingredients are artfully arranged. This will give your homemade shrimp scampi the look of a restaurant-quality dish.

The presentation of your shrimp scampi is just as important as its flavor. By following these tips, you can make your dish as visually appealing as it is tasty. This will impress your family and friends, making your shrimp pasta a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

Savor the flavors of Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi with our authentic recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp, pasta, and garlic butter sauce in every bite.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi, Parmesan Shrimp, Shrimp Pasta,

Servings: 4

Calories: 450kcal

Author: Emily

Ingredients

The Key Players

• Shrimp: Opt for large deveined shrimp with tails on for an authentic look and added flavor. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp work best for this dish.
• Pasta: Use angel hair or thin spaghetti for the classic shrimp pasta texture that perfectly complements the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the rich aromatic base of the scampi sauce.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of these two fats provides depth and creaminess to the sauce.
• White Wine: A dry white wine enhances the flavor profile with a subtle tang. If you prefer substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free option.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness balancing the richness of the dish.

Flavor Enhancers

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan is the hallmark of Olive Garden Italian cuisine adding a nutty and creamy finish.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and a touch of red pepper flakes bring a vibrant slightly spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine.

Practical Tips

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Shrimp cooks quickly so have everything ready before you start to ensure seamless cooking.
• Use High-Quality Parmesan: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook until they turn pink and slightly curled to maintain their juicy texture.

Instructions

• Cook pasta as directed, reserving some pasta water, then drain.
• Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp, cook for 3-4 minutes until pink, then set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter for 1 minute. Add white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
• Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
• Add shrimp, pasta, and asparagus to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce.
• Mix in diced tomatoes and heat until tender.
• Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 950mg

Conclusion

In conclusion, few dishes embody the charm of classic Olive Garden Italian cuisine quite like Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi. This timeless creation combines the delicate flavors of shrimp pasta, vibrant garlic notes, and the creamy richness of parmesan shrimp to deliver a dining experience that is both satisfying and sophisticated. For those seeking a standout meal from the Olive Garden menu, this dish effortlessly blends tradition with modern appeal.

Whether enjoyed in the warm ambiance of an Italian restaurant or recreated at home using a carefully crafted shrimp scampi recipe, this dish remains a celebration of culinary artistry. Its perfectly balanced flavors transport you to the sunlit shores of Italy, capturing the essence of indulgent comfort food.

By embracing the authentic techniques and fresh ingredients that define Olive Garden Italian cuisine, you can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary moment. From weeknight Lunchs to special occasions, Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a dish that invites both seasoned food lovers and casual diners to savor the art of fine dining. Let it inspire your next meal and create unforgettable memories around the table.

F&Q