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How to Make Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden Style: Easy Recipe Guide
I’ve always loved the rich, garlic flavors of Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi. I wanted to make it at home. After many tries and learning the recipe’s secrets, I’m excited to share this easy guide with you. It’s perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners, whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or a sophisticated dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secret to Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi recipe
- Learn how to prepare succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and juicy tomatoes
- Master the creamy garlic sauce that makes this dish so irresistible
- Enjoy a quick and easy 30-minute meal that rivals the flavors of the restaurant
- Impress your family and friends with a copycat Olive Garden-style shrimp scampi
Understanding Shrimp Scampi Olive Garden
Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is famous for its perfect mix of flavors. The dish features large shrimp, angel hair pasta, fresh asparagus, and juicy tomatoes.
What Makes Olive Garden’s Version Special
Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is special because of its ingredients and how it’s made. They use big, juicy shrimp and a garlic-butter sauce. This sauce is simmered to perfection, making it rich and velvety.
Key Features of the Dish
- Angel Hair Pasta: The delicate, thin strands of angel hair pasta are perfect for the flavorful sauce.
- Large Shrimp: Olive Garden uses 16/20 count shrimp, which are bigger and more tender than smaller ones.
- Fresh Asparagus: The crisp-tender asparagus adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Juicy Tomatoes: The addition of diced tomatoes brings a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the rich sauce.
Health and Dietary Considerations
Shrimp scampi Olive Garden style is a lighter pasta dish. It’s high in protein from the shrimp. The asparagus and tomatoes add vitamins and minerals. You can also make it gluten-free or dairy-free by making a few changes.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
To make the classic Olive Garden shrimp scampi, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The dish starts with 16/20 count shrimp. These are plump and juicy, making them the main attraction.
Fresh vs Frozen Shrimp Options
Fresh shrimp is the best choice, but frozen can work too if thawed right. Make sure to dry the shrimp before cooking. This helps them sear and brown well.
Sauce Components
- Butter and olive oil make the sauce rich and silky.
- Fragrant garlic and a bit of crushed red pepper flakes add depth and a hint of heat.
- Heavy whipping cream makes the sauce creamy and velvety.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami finish.
Pasta and Vegetable Selection
The best pasta for shrimp scampi is angel hair. But you can also use thin, long shapes like linguine or spaghetti. Thin asparagus spears and juicy Roma tomatoes are great additions. They add color, texture, and freshness.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect shrimp scampi Olive Garden style, you need some key tools. Start with a big pot for boiling pasta and a large skillet for cooking shrimp. A colander is needed to drain pasta, and measuring cups and spoons for the right amounts.
A sharp knife is essential for chopping garlic and parsley. These add a lot of flavor to the dish. You’ll also need a wooden spoon or tongs for stirring. A garlic press makes mincing garlic quick and easy.
| Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boiling Pasta |
| Large Skillet | Cooking Shrimp and Making Sauce |
| Colander | Draining Cooked Pasta |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurate Ingredient Portioning |
| Sharp Knife | Chopping Vegetables |
| Wooden Spoon or Tongs | Stirring and Tossing Ingredients |
| Garlic Press | Mincing Garlic |
With these tools, you’re ready to make a tasty easy shrimp scampi at home.
Preparing the Shrimp and Pasta Base
To make the perfect shrimp scampi olive garden dish, start with clean shrimp and pasta. Let’s look at the key steps to prepare your base.
Cleaning and Deveining Shrimp
First, peel and devein the shrimp if needed. This makes your shrimp scampi pasta look clean and nice. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and dry them with paper towels.
Make sure the shrimp have enough space to cook well. Overcrowding can mess up their cooking.
Proper Pasta Cooking Techniques
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook for about 3 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy liquid will help thicken the garlic sauce later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be tossed with the shrimp and sauce.
It’s important not to overcook the shrimp or pasta. The shrimp should be pink and just curled when done. The pasta should still have a bit of bite. Cooking times can change based on shrimp size and pasta type.
Creating the Signature Garlic Sauce
The heart of Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi is its garlic sauce. This sauce is key to making the dish taste like the restaurant’s. To make it, you need a few simple ingredients.
Start by cooking minced garlic in butter and olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as it can taste bitter. This allows the flavors to mix well.
Then, add fresh lemon juice and heavy cream. The cream makes the sauce creamy and rich. Finish with cold butter to make it smooth and shiny.
Check the sauce’s taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and coat the shrimp and pasta well.
To get the Olive Garden shrimp scampi taste right, balance the garlic and cream. Each part should enhance the shrimp’s flavor. With this recipe, you can make Olive Garden’s dish at home.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making shrimp scampi Olive Garden style is simpler than you think. Just follow a few easy steps and use some cooking tips. You’ll soon have this famous Italian-American dish ready in your kitchen. Let’s go through the steps to get that restaurant taste at home.
Timing and Temperature Control
To get the right texture and flavor of Olive Garden’s shrimp scampi, timing and temperature are key. Start by cooking the shrimp in butter and olive oil over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they start to turn pink. Don’t overcook, especially with larger 16/20 shrimp.
Then, take the shrimp out and cook the garlic in the same pan for about a minute, until it smells great.
Professional Cooking Tips
- Add chicken or seafood broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Put the cooked shrimp back in the pan with the pasta and any veggies, like asparagus or cherry tomatoes.
- Use some of the pasta water to get the sauce just right, so it sticks to the pasta.
- The whole process should take about 20-25 minutes, keeping the heat at medium to medium-high.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll make an Olive Garden-worthy shrimp scampi at home. Enjoy your tasty, restaurant-quality dish!
Adding Fresh Vegetables and Final Touches
To make your homemade shrimp scampi stand out, add fresh vegetables. Start by sautéing asparagus spears in the garlic sauce. This boosts the flavor and adds a nice texture.
Then, add diced tomatoes just before serving. This keeps them juicy and fresh. Mix the cooked shrimp scampi pasta with the sauce, coating every strand.
Finish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds herbal notes, while Parmesan brings a salty, rich taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
With these touches, your shrimp scampi will be as good as Olive Garden‘s. Impress your guests or enjoy a top-notch meal at home.
Plating and Presentation Tips
When serving your shrimp scampi olive garden style, presentation matters a lot. Start by twirling the easy shrimp scampi pasta into a swirl on a warm plate. Place the juicy shrimp and colorful veggies on top. Then, drizzle the buttery, garlic sauce over the pasta and around the plate.
Garnishing Techniques
Make your shrimp scampi olive garden style look great with simple garnishes. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of green and flavor. Add Parmesan cheese for a rich touch. And, a lemon wedge adds a refreshing citrus note.
Service Suggestions
- Serve the easy shrimp scampi hot, right away.
- Offer warm breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Follow these tips to make your shrimp scampi olive garden style stand out. It will be a dining experience fit for the Olive Garden. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To enjoy your shrimp scampi Olive Garden recipe longer, follow these tips. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Then, warm it gently on the stovetop until it’s hot.
Don’t microwave the shrimp scampi. It can make the shrimp tough and overcooked. For the best taste and texture, eat it within 1-2 days. This way, you’ll enjoy the easy shrimp scampi just as it was meant to be.
Proper storage and reheating keep your shrimp scampi Olive Garden recipe fresh for longer. Learning these tips will help you enjoy your easy shrimp scampi even after the first time you make it.