Dive into Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe!

Ever since I had that unforgettable plate of Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe, I knew I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. The succulent shrimp bathed in a luxuriously garlicky sauce, twirling around perfectly cooked angel hair pasta – it was a symphony of flavors that demanded a home-cooked encore!

Well, fret no more, fellow seafood enthusiasts. This recipe unlocks the secrets to a restaurant-worthy Shrimp Scampi that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients For Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Before we begin on this delicious journey, let’s gather the ingredients that will form the foundation of our creamy, garlicky masterpiece.

1. The Stars of the Show: Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp that have been peeled and deveined are the stars of this dish. Their delicate sweetness pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the sauce. Frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them completely before getting started.
2. The Perfect Canvas: Angel Hair Pasta: These thin, delicate noodles are the ideal canvas for our rich and flavorful sauce to cling to. Their light and airy texture adds a delightful contrast to the succulent shrimp and creamy sauce.
3. A Touch of Healthy Fat: Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil gets the party started, adding a touch of healthy fat and helping to create a base for the flavors to develop.
4. The Magic Ingredient: Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the magic ingredient that truly elevates this dish. Its pungent aroma and savory depth are essential for achieving that signature scampi taste. Don’t be shy with the garlic – a generous amount is key!
5. Richness and Creaminess: Butter: This golden ambassador plays a crucial role. It adds richness and a touch of creaminess to the sauce, creating a luxurious base for all the other flavors to dance upon. Opt for high-quality butter for the most impactful results.
6. A Touch of Acidity: Dry White Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds a delightful touch of acidity and complexity to the sauce. It deglazes the pan, bringing up all those delicious browned bits, and infuses the sauce with a subtle winey flavor.
7. A Subtle Kick: Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, but feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. This touch of heat beautifully complements the garlicky richness of the sauce.
8. Awakening the Flavors: Seasonings: Salt and pepper are the workhorses of the kitchen, and they play a vital role in this recipe. A sprinkle of each awakens all the other flavors and creates a perfect balance. Don’t underestimate the power of these simple yet essential ingredients.
9. A Delightful Pop of Green: Fresh Asparagus: Tender-crisp asparagus adds a delightful pop of green and a touch of vegetable goodness to the dish. Its slightly sweet and grassy flavor complements the richness of the sauce and shrimp beautifully.
10. The Crowning Glory: Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the crowning glory, adding a salty, nutty complexity that ties everything together beautifully. Use a good quality block cheese and grate it yourself for the most intense flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains fillers that can affect the taste and texture of the final dish.
11. Cherry Tomatoes

Required Equipment

To embark on your Shrimp Scampi adventure, you’ll need a few essential tools in your culinary arsenal:

1. Large Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the angel hair pasta. Opt for a pot that can comfortably hold enough water for the pasta to cook freely without overcrowding.
2. Large Skillet: A large skillet is your canvas for creating the flavorful sauce. Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet that distributes heat evenly and prevents burning.
3. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the shrimp and asparagus. A good knife makes quick work of these tasks.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurement is key to achieving consistent results. Having a set of measuring spoons and cups will ensure you add the right amount of each ingredient.
5. Garlic Press (Optional): While a microplane or finely mincing garlic with a knife works well, a garlic press can save you time and effort.
6. Pasta Strainer: A pasta strainer is essential for draining the cooked angel hair pasta.
7. Serving Spoon and Tongs: A serving spoon will help you dish up the delicious Shrimp Scampi, while tongs are handy for tossing the pasta and shrimp in the sauce.
8. Grater (Optional): If you’re using a block of Parmesan cheese, you’ll need a grater to grate it fresh.
9. Plates and Serving Utensils: Don’t forget the plates and serving utensils for your culinary masterpiece!

Required Time

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. In just about 25 minutes, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of garlicky, shrimpy goodness. That’s right, a restaurant-quality dish without the wait! This quick cooking time makes it a perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Now that we’ve assembled our culinary arsenal, it’s time to unleash our inner chef and create this delectable dish! Here’s a breakdown of the steps to guide you through the process:

1. A Symphony of Bubbles: Bringing the Water to a Boil: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. This is where your angel hair pasta will take its first culinary bath. The addition of salt not only seasons the pasta but also helps it cook more evenly.

2. Prepping the Stars: Shrimp Time: While the water heats up, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the shrimp can prevent them from searing beautifully when they hit the hot pan. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost. This simple step helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

3. Sizzle and Sauté: Building the Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, releasing its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can make the garlic taste bitter. Patience is key here – we want the garlic to soften and become fragrant, not brown.

4. The Golden Touch: Add the butter to the pan with the garlic and let it melt, swirling it to coat the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic starts to happen – the foundation of our flavorful sauce is being built. The butter adds richness and helps to create a silky smooth texture in the finished sauce. As the butter melts add asparagus. Once cooked add cherry tomatoes.

5. Deglazing for Depth: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds depth and complexity to the sauce. The browned bits on the bottom of the pan contain concentrated flavor, and by scraping them up and incorporating them into the wine or broth, we release all that deliciousness into the sauce.

6. A Touch of Heat: Spice it Up!: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Remember, you can always adjust the amount to your liking. This touch of heat beautifully complements the garlicky richness of the sauce, adding a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

7. Awakening the Symphony: Seasoning Symphony: Sprinkle in your salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir to combine the flavors. Seasoning is an art form, and in this step, we’re using salt and pepper to awaken all the other flavors in the dish. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

8. The Grand Entrance: Shrimp Showtime!: Once the sauce is simmering and fragrant, it’s time for the stars of the show to take center stage. Add your shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery! Overcooked shrimp lose their delicate texture and become tough and unpleasant to eat.

9. The Grand Finale: Bringing it All Together: Drain the pasta (reserving a little bit of the starchy pasta water, just in case!) and add it directly to the pan with the sauce and shrimp. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly in the flavorful sauce. Here’s where the reserved pasta water comes in – a splash or two can help to loosen the sauce if it seems a bit too thick and create a beautiful, silky consistency.

10. The Finishing Touch: A Shower of Parmesan: Finally, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together to distribute the cheese evenly. The heat from the pan will melt the cheese, creating a rich and creamy coating for the pasta and shrimp.

11. Ready to Serve: A Moment of Anticipation: Let the dish sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld, then give it a final stir and taste for seasoning adjustments. Now, spoon the deliciousness onto plates and garnish with some extra chopped fresh parsley (optional), if desired. Take a deep breath, savor the aroma, and prepare to indulge in a restaurant-worthy Shrimp Scampi experience in the comfort of your own home!

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Tips for Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

While this recipe is straightforward, a few helpful tips can elevate your Shrimp Scampi to restaurant-quality perfection:

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the golden rule! Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them is a common mistake. Aim for a delicate pink color and an opaque texture – that’s your cue to remove them from the pan.
2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Opt for large, fresh shrimp, good quality butter and Parmesan cheese, and a decent bottle of dry white wine. Freshness translates to better flavor in every bite.
3. Don’t Skip the Deglazing Step: Deglazing the pan with white wine after removing the garlic helps to loosen up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits contain concentrated flavor, and incorporating them into the sauce adds richness and depth.
4. Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of red pepper flakes is entirely up to you. Start with a pinch and taste the sauce as you go. You can always add more for a spicier kick.
5. Embrace Fresh Herbs: For a touch of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives to the finished dish just before serving. The vibrant green color adds a pop of visual appeal, and the fresh herbs complement the other flavors beautifully.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

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Serving Tips for Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Presentation is key to creating a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some tips for serving your Shrimp Scampi in style:

1. Classic Choice: Angel Hair Pasta Nest: Spoon the Shrimp Scampi over a bed of angel hair pasta twirled into a nest shape. This classic presentation adds visual appeal and makes it easy to twirl the pasta onto your fork.
2. Garnish with Gusto: A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish. You could also use a lemon wedge for a pop of acidity and a bright visual element.
3. Bread for Dipping: Serve your Shrimp Scampi with some crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. This is a great way to soak up every last bit of that garlicky goodness.
4. A Touch of Class: White Wine Pairing: For a complete dining experience, consider pairing your Shrimp Scampi with a glass of the same white wine you used in the recipe. The wine will complement the flavors of the dish beautifully.

Nutrition in Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

While this dish is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: Around 500 calories per serving. This can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the portion size.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Most of these carbohydrates come from the angel hair pasta.
• Protein: Around 30 grams of protein per serving. The shrimp is the primary source of protein in this dish.
• Fat: Approximately 15 grams of fat per serving. The butter and olive oil contribute most of the fat content.
• Sodium: This dish can be relatively high in sodium due to the Parmesan cheese and butter. Be mindful of your sodium intake if you have any dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious restaurant-quality meals can be recreated in the comfort of your own home. With fresh ingredients, a little bit of know-how, and these helpful tips, you’ll be whipping up a show-stopping dish that will leave your family and friends asking for more.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with the irresistible flavors of garlicky shrimp and creamy goodness!

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