How To Make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi: Easy Step-by-Step

Did you know Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi has 16-20 shrimp per pound? You get a big portion of tasty shrimp in every bite. This dish is easy to prepare and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s ideal for a quick yet fulfilling dinner.

Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi is a favorite for its mix of classic and modern flavors. It has tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and juicy tomatoes in a creamy garlic sauce. This recipe lets you make this dish at home, just like Olive Garden.

The History Behind Olive Garden’s Famous Shrimp Scampi

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is a favorite dish that combines Italian and American tastes. It’s a creamy, garlicky pasta dish loved by many. This dish is renowned for its perfect balance of flavors 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

Many love Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi for good reasons. The restaurant uses top-notch ingredients like fresh shrimp and herbs. It also balances Italian flavors with creamy sauces, making it a hit for those who love olive garden italian cuisine.

“Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi showcases the restaurant’s skill in combining Italian and American culinary traditions, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and elegant.”

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi has a rich history and a flavor that keeps diners coming back. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy italian-american cuisine.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic olive garden shrimp scampi

Preparing the renowned Olive Garden shrimp scampi requires a precise combination of ingredients. At its core, the dish features shrimp that are big and juicy. They’re paired with angel hair pasta, which soaks up the creamy garlic shrimp sauce beautifully.

The sauce is built on a foundation of butter and olive oil. Garlic and crushed red pepper flakes contribute a deep flavor and a touch of heat. A splash of dry white wine is then added, which is simmered down to intensify the taste.

To add color and freshness, thin asparagus and Roma tomatoes are included. The dish is finished with a squeeze of lemon juice, a bit of heavy whipping cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A little of the seafood pasta cooking water is also added to thicken the sauce.

These ingredients come together to create the real Olive Garden shrimp scampi. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor.

Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Shrimp

For a classic Olive Garden shrimp scampi, picking the right shrimp is key. The ideal choice is large shrimp, typically around 21-25 count per pound. They remain tender and have a wonderful texture. Cleaning and deveining the shrimp is also important for a perfect dish.

Selecting the Right Size Shrimp

Each person needs 4-6 ounces of shrimp, or 5-7 large ones. This size is just right, making each bite full of flavor and texture.

Cleaning and Deveining Tips

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

Fresh vs. Frozen Options

Fresh shrimp are best, but frozen ones work too if thawed right. To thaw, put them in the fridge overnight or under cold water for 15-20 minutes. To avoid bacterial growth, always thaw in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature.

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 heart of Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is its garlic wine sauce. Start by sautéing minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant. This prepares the foundation for the following steps.

Next, add a splash of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half. This intensifies the wine’s flavor and creates a smooth, velvety sauce. Once reduced, stir in cold butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The butter and cream make the sauce silky, while Parmesan adds a savory touch.

You can modify the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes according to your preference. For a milder taste, use less. For a bolder flavor, add more. If you want a non-alcoholic version, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine.

The garlic wine sauce is an essential element of Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi. Mastering this sauce lets you make the restaurant’s dish at home. It will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Pasta Selection and Cooking Techniques

Preparing the perfect shrimp pasta at home starts with the right pasta and cooking method. Olive Garden’s signature shrimp scampi is served with angel hair pasta. You can also try spaghetti or linguine for a similar taste and texture.

Al Dente Perfection Guide

It’s important to cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture. This means it should be firm but still tender. Check the pasta often while it cooks, as it can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.

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

Pasta Water Secret Tips

• Reserve some of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is essential for the sauce.
• The starch in the water thickens the sauce and makes it stick to the noodles.
• Add the pasta water to the sauce slowly, stirring constantly, until it’s just right.
• For a healthier option, try zucchini noodles or serve the shrimp scampi over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.

By using these tips, you can make a delicious Olive Garden shrimp scampi at home. It’s a tasty and authentic Italian dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making shrimp scampi at home is simple. Follow a few easy steps to get the Olive Garden taste in your kitchen. Here’s how to make this tasty seafood pasta.

1. First, cook the pasta as the package says. Drain it and keep some pasta water for later.
2. Place butter in a large skillet and melt it over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then place them in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and completely cooked. Once done, transfer them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook the minced garlic in the remaining butter until it smells good, about 1 minute. Then, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the alcohol cooks off.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice to the garlic and wine mixture. Stir well. Let the sauce simmer and thicken a bit, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Place the cooked shrimp, pasta, and asparagus back into the skillet. Toss everything together. Use some of the pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes and heat until they’re tender but still crisp.
7. Finally, serve the shrimp scampi pasta hot. Top it with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

This shrimp scampi recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. Cook the pasta and shrimp at the same time while you prepare the sauce. Your guests will be impressed by this delicious seafood pasta dish!

Adding Fresh Vegetables: Asparagus and Tomatoes

Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi recipe is enhanced by fresh asparagus and juicy tomatoes. These ingredients enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the dish.

Proper Vegetable Preparation

Choose thin asparagus spears for quick cooking. Trim the edges and cut into 1-inch segments. This makes them perfect for the shrimp scampi.

For tomatoes, use Roma or cherry varieties. Dice Roma tomatoes or halve cherry tomatoes to keep them fresh and juicy.

Timing Your Additions

Stir the asparagus into the garlic-wine sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. This cooks it just right, keeping it crisp.

Wait to add tomatoes until the end. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting mushy.

Experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Add them at the right time for perfect cooking.

By choosing and preparing veggies well, and adding them at the right time, you make a beautiful olive garden menu dish. It highlights the fresh, italian restaurant flavors of shrimp pasta.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

The shrimp scampi recipe from Olive Garden is a beloved dish. It can be changed to fit different diets and tastes. You can adjust it to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in calories. You can also swap out the protein for a different choice.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta like orzo or rice noodles. This keeps the dish’s great taste without the gluten.

Dairy-Free Modifications

To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter. Replace the heavy cream with either coconut milk or almond milk. This keeps the creamy texture without dairy.

Lighter Variations

For fewer calories, use less butter and cream in the parmesan shrimp sauce. This reduces fat and calories but keeps the flavors.

Protein Swaps

You can turn shrimp scampi into chicken scampi by using chicken breasts instead. Breading the chicken adds texture and taste.

The Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi recipe is very flexible. It can be made to fit your dietary needs and tastes. With a few changes, you can enjoy this Italian-American dish just the way you like it.

Plating and Presentation Tips

To make your shrimp scampi look like Olive Garden’s, serve it in large, shallow bowls. Twirl the pasta and place the shrimp, asparagus, and tomatoes on top. Drizzle extra sauce and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

For a nice touch, add a lemon wedge on the side. Serve it hot with warm breadsticks or garlic bread for a complete Italian meal at home.

When plating, aim for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Try to match the Olive Garden style, where the ingredients are beautifully arranged. This will make your homemade shrimp scampi look like a restaurant dish.

The look of your shrimp scampi is just as important as its taste. By following these tips, you can make your dish look as appealing as it is delicious. This will impress your family and friends, making your shrimp pasta a hit.