Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Dinner

Many home cooks become frustrated when trying to recreate their favorite restaurant dishes, often ending up with watery sauces or overcooked shrimp that lack flavor. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or trying to impress guests with minimal effort, it’s tough to find a pasta dish that’s both easy and impressive.

That’s where our Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe steps in. This spot-on copycat version is bursting with juicy shrimp, buttery garlic-lemon sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Best of all? You only need one pan and about 30 minutes to make it happen.

It’s full of fresh flavors—juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and bright lemony aromas—all tossed with angel hair pasta in a light garlic butter sauce. Let’s get you set up for success.

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Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s smart, quick, and adaptable. Perfect for busy people who want great food without the fuss.

Here’s why it works:

• Ready in 30 Minutes: No complicated prep or lengthy cooking time.
• Flavorful Yet Light: The sauce is made with garlic, lemon, and a touch of broth—no heavy cream needed.
• Healthy and Flexible: High-protein shrimp, loads of veggies, and easily adjustable for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
• Restaurant Taste at Home: You get all the bold, savory flavors of the Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe without the restaurant markup.

Pro tip: If you love Southern-style comfort food, you might also enjoy this stunning New Orleans Shrimp and Grits recipe—it’s another crowd favorite you can make in minutes.

Before You Start: Key Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

Picking the Right Shrimp

For the best results, go for medium to large raw shrimp—ideally, 16–20 count per pound. Look for shrimp that’s peeled and deveined to save a ton of time. You want that fresh, briny taste without the hassle of shelling.

Frozen shrimp work beautifully for this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe too—just be sure to thaw them properly. Place them in cold water for 10–15 minutes, and pat them dry before cooking to get a good sear.

Best Pasta for This Dish

Angel hair is the classic choice here. It’s thin and delicate, which allows it to soak up the sauce without getting sticky or mushy. If you’re out of angel hair, thin spaghetti or linguine are excellent alternatives.

Avoid thicker pastas like fettuccine or penne—they overwhelm the sauce and shrimp combo.

Flavorful Substitutes and Add-Ins

Can’t find some of the staples? Here’s how to adapt:

• No fresh parsley? Use dried, but cut the amount in half.
• No fresh lemon? Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch—just use less.
• Allergic to shrimp? Swap in diced chicken breast or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Would you like to serve this in a completely different way? Spoon the shrimp and sauce over toasted hoagies or garlic bread, as seen in this easy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread dinner. It’s not traditional, but delicious nonetheless.

Ingredients & Prep

Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe to life.

Shrimp Prep

• 1 pound raw shrimp (16–20 count)
  • Deveined and peeled, tails on or off based on your preference.
  • Pat dry with paper towels to ensure they don’t steam while sautéing.
  • Optional: Season lightly with salt and pepper before cooking for added flavor.

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 small yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  Adds a subtle heat balance to the garlic-lemon sauce.

Pantry Staples

• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

These pantry staples serve as the base of the luscious sauce that makes this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe shine. The garlic and butter offer richness, while the broth and lemon juice keep it light and zesty.

Garnish & Finish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

Now that we’re prepped and ready, you’re just a few easy steps away from delivering a restaurant-level meal right in your own kitchen. Keep reading to learn how these simple ingredients come together in the most irresistible way possible.

How to Make the Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at Home

This Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe comes together quickly and easily. With a few simple techniques, you’ll get shrimp that are tender and flavorful, pasta that’s silky and never sticky, and a sauce that’s the perfect mix of garlicky and bright.

Let’s walk through each step so your version tastes like the real deal—or maybe even better!

Step 1: Get Prepped Before You Start Cooking

Before turning up the heat, do a quick mise en place (aka prep everything). That way, once the cooking starts, it’s smooth sailing.

Here’s what to do:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
• Peel and devein your shrimp, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming.
• Slice the peppers, onion, and mince the garlic.
• Zest and juice your lemon.
• Measure out the butter, oil, and broth, and have your chopped parsley ready.

You’ll be working quickly when things hit the pan, so having ingredients ready is key to executing this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe like a pro.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Shrimp

Now we’re ready for the real action.

1. Cook the angel hair pasta:

   • Add to boiling salted water and cook for just 2 minutes less than the package recommends. It will finish cooking in the sauce later.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Sear the shrimp:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add shrimp in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Sauté for about 2 minutes per side until just pink and curled.
   • Remove shrimp to a bowl and set aside.

3. Sauté the aromatics:

   • Lower the heat to medium.
   • Add one more tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
   • Toss in garlic, onions, and both bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.

This is where the magic of the Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe starts developing layers of flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Combine

It’s time to marry all those gorgeous flavors.

• Pour in the broth and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom.
• Add the lemon zest and red pepper flakes for a light kick.
• Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes to slightly reduce.

Next, toss in the drained pasta. Let it soak up the flavorful broth for another 2 minutes. Add some reserved pasta water if it seems too dry.

Finally, return the shrimp to the pan just long enough to warm through—about 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the remaining butter and chopped parsley. Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Check Shrimp for Doneness

Perfect shrimp should be:

• Pink and opaque (no gray or translucent spots)
• Gently curled into a “C” shape (not tightly wound into an “O”)

Overcooking shrimp is one of the most common missteps, so keep a close eye. They typically only need 3–4 minutes total cooking time in this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe.

Step 5: Let the Pasta Sit for Maximum Flavor

While this dish is best served immediately, letting it sit for just 2–3 minutes after cooking lets the pasta absorb more sauce and flavor. You’ll find the lemon and garlic notes deepen, and the texture becomes even silkier.

Tips for Success

Nailing this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe is easy, but these quick tips can make a noticeable difference.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Shrimp need space to sear! If they’re crowded, they’ll release too much liquid and steam rather than brown. Cook in two batches if your pan’s on the small side.

Use Quality Tools

A large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet is ideal for quick cooking and for developing flavor on the bottom of the pan. And don’t underestimate the value of:

• A microplane for zesting lemons quickly
• Tongs to toss everything evenly
• A deep serving bowl to preserve heat at the table

Store and Reheat the Right Way

Leftovers of the Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe? Lucky you!

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Avoid the microwave—it can make shrimp rubbery.

Flavor Variations to Make It Your Own

Want to give this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe a twist? Here are a few fun and flavorful ways to change things up.

Make It Spicy

• Add more red pepper flakes for zing
• Toss in a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne
• Try sambal or harissa for international heat

Low-Carb or Keto Version

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
• Make sure your broth is sugar-free
• Skip the optional Parmesan or use a dairy-free version

Global Flavor Spin

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and black olives for a Mediterranean touch
• Swap parsley for cilantro and stir in a spoonful of salsa verde for a Latin twist
• Use coconut oil instead of butter, and finish with lime for a Thai-inspired option

What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi

The Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe is good enough to stand alone, but consider pairing it with light and simple sides to round out your meal.

Delicious ideas:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted asparagus with olive oil and sea salt
• Garlic bread or focaccia (perfect for soaking up the sauce)
• A side of roasted green beans or sautéed spinach

Want another cozy option for colder nights? This Italian sausage and potato soup you’ll love it pairs beautifully with seafood pastas like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe delivers sophistication without the stress. It’s light, bursting with flavor, and tastes just like the restaurant favorite—maybe better when made fresh at home.

If you’re looking for inspiration or a second opinion, the folks over at Eating on a Dime share their take on the Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe as well. Their guide adds even more confidence to your scampi success.

And when you’re in the mood for a bowl of cozy comfort, don’t miss out on this hearty Italian sausage and potato soup you’ll love it—it’s the perfect partner to any pasta night.

Ready to cook like a pro? This Olive Garden shrimp scampi recipe is the perfect place to start.