Craving a seafood pasta that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen? Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings the buttery garlic flavors of your favorite chain right to your home table—and the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up.

This dish combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a buttery white wine sauce tossed over pasta for a meal that’s both impressive and easy to pull together. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner feel special or hosting friends, this shrimp scampi won’t let you down.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, let’s get prepped right. The success of shrimp scampi lies not just in the ingredients, but also in the tools that help bring it all together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Skillet – A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and space to toss shrimp and pasta without overcrowding.
Pasta Pot with Strainer – For boiling your linguine or fettuccine, a sturdy pot with a built-in strainer makes draining easy and safe.
Tongs or Wooden Spoon – Helps gently turn shrimp and toss pasta without breaking them.
Zester or Grater – To add lemon zest for brightness at the end.
Garlic Press (optional) – If you want quick prep, this saves time mincing garlic.

Being organized with your tools ahead of time means the shrimp won’t overcook and your sauce comes together silky and fast.

Ingredients for the Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Each ingredient in this dish has a clear role, working together to create that iconic garlic-butter flavor:

Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish, offering a sweet, briny bite that pairs beautifully with garlic and butter.
Linguine or Fettuccine – A sturdy pasta that can hold the buttery sauce and balance the plump shrimp.
Garlic (minced) – Brings an aromatic depth and is a core flavor in shrimp scampi.
Unsalted Butter – Used generously to create a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
Olive Oil – Adds a layer of earthiness and helps prevent the butter from burning.
White Wine (or chicken broth) – Deglazes the pan and creates the backbone of the sauce with its bright, slightly acidic note.
Lemon Juice – Cuts through the richness of the butter and freshens the entire dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat that enhances the savory notes.
Parsley (chopped) – Lends color and a clean finish.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasoning to balance and elevate the flavors.

How To Make the Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your linguine or fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, place the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and remove to a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the white wine (or broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return shrimp to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently so the pasta is coated in sauce. Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Plate while hot, optionally garnishing with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi with crusty bread or a green salad.

Serving and Storing Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Serve your shrimp scampi hot, right out of the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even steamed vegetables for a lighter balance. A sprinkle of lemon zest or Parmesan right before serving can add that final touch of brightness.

For leftovers, transfer the pasta and shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook quickly—usually in just 1-2 minutes per side. Once they curl into a “C” shape and turn pink, they’re done. Remove them promptly to avoid a rubbery texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess water can dilute the sauce and cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear.

What if I don’t want to use wine?

You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth. While it changes the flavor slightly, it still provides a savory, satisfying sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Shrimp scampi is best served fresh. However, you can cook the pasta ahead and prep the ingredients in advance for a quicker assembly.

Which pasta works best?

Linguine or fettuccine are ideal due to their flat shape, which catches and holds onto the buttery sauce. Angel hair can work, but it may become too soft if overcooked.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add the optional red pepper flakes. It’s a mild dish by default, perfect for all palates.

Want More Seafood Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you might want to explore more pasta dishes with that same satisfying seafood flair.

Try the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe if you’re looking for a cozy layered twist on classic scampi. Or go bold with the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, a deeply flavorful, stew-like dish that brings even more shrimp to the table.

For a casual dinner idea, the Easy Seafood Casserole is creamy and indulgent, perfect for a family-style serving. Craving spice? The Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta offers a fiery kick paired with tender seafood.

And don’t miss the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a surf-and-turf experience that plays beautifully with the same garlic-butter essence.