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Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Dinner

olive garden shrimp scampi recipe recipe by Pearl recipes Main

Restaurant-style Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at home: juicy shrimp, angel hair pasta, colorful bell peppers, and garlicky lemon-butter sauce. Quick, easy, and healthy—bursting with Mediterranean flavors in every zesty, savory bite. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Prep

  • 1 pound raw shrimp (16–20 count)  
  • Salt and pepper (optional, for seasoning)

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

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

Garnish & Finish

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

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  • Peel and devein the shrimp, then pat dry with paper towels and optionally season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Slice the peppers, onion, and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon. Measure and have all ingredients ready.
  • Add angel hair pasta to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions; drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sauté 2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove the shrimp to a bowl.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté garlic, onions, and both bell peppers 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Pour in broth and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Simmer 4–5 minutes to reduce.
  • Add the drained pasta and cook for 2 more minutes to allow it to absorb the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
  • Return shrimp to the pan to warm through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, then stir in the remaining butter and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let pasta sit 2–3 minutes before serving for full flavor. Top with Parmesan and extra lemon if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them when just pink and curled. Prepare all ingredients in advance for a fast and smooth cooking experience. For leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

Keywords: shrimp scampi, Olive Garden, pasta, lemon garlic, quick dinner, Italian