This Holiday-Table Comfort Red Lobster–Style Shrimp Scampi brings all the cozy, indulgent flavors of the restaurant classic right into your home kitchen—without being complicated or fussy. Tender shrimp are gently cooked in a rich garlic-butter sauce with lemon and herbs, creating a dish that feels luxurious yet comforting, perfect for holidays, special dinners, or whenever you want something that feels a little extra.
What makes this version special is that it stays true to the creamy, buttery essence people love, while keeping the ingredients simple and family-friendly. There’s no wine involved—just pure flavor from butter, garlic, lemon, and shrimp. Serve it over pasta, with rice, or alongside crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp
- 680 g (1½ lb) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Scampi Sauce
- 85 g (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
To Finish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Serving
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them cook evenly and prevents excess liquid in the pan. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika, tossing gently to coat all sides. Set aside.
Step 2: Start the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to gently foam, add the minced garlic.
Cook the garlic for 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly. Do not let it brown—garlic should be fragrant and soft, not crispy.
Step 3: Build the Scampi Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 4–5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Avoid overcooking—shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Herbs
Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently until fully melted and the sauce becomes glossy and rich.
Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and gently toss the shrimp to coat them evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove from heat and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Ideas for a Holiday Table
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with:
- Angel hair or linguine pasta
- Steamed white rice or garlic rice
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
- Fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
For holidays, it works wonderfully as a main dish or as part of a larger spread.
