Name: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, size of choice; 12 ounces angel hair pasta; Salt to taste; ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips; ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into strips; ½ green bell pepper, cut into strips; ½ medium red onion, sliced; 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup yellow onion, diced; 2 Tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 cup white wine (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio recommended); 1 cup chicken stock; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon); 1 Tablespoon dried parsley; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ pound unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, 1 stick)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 48 reviews

If you’re craving that irresistibly buttery, garlicky taste of a classic Italian-American favorite, you’ve got to try this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It captures all the essence of the original with perfectly tender shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and angel hair pasta tossed in a luscious homemade scampi sauce that’s bursting with bright lemon and just a touch of heat. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen in a straightforward, satisfying way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with light yellow noodles tangled together at the bottom. On top of the noodles, there are evenly spread slices of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with pieces of purple onion showing a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Large, cooked shrimp with a pink and white color sit on top of the vegetables, showing their curved shape and slightly firm texture. Small bits of herbs and some white sprinkled cheese add extra detail and texture over the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a gold spoon is partially visible inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each one contributing richness, freshness, or a pop of color to create a perfect harmony on your plate. From the fresh shrimp to the trio of colorful peppers, every component plays a starring role.

1 pound shrimp (size of choice): Fresh or thawed, shrimp add succulent seafood goodness and protein.
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing the veggies without overshadowing their flavor.
½ red bell pepper (cut into strips): Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful red hue.
½ yellow bell pepper (cut into strips): Provides bright, sunny color and mild sweetness.
½ green bell pepper (cut into strips): Offers an earthy bite and contrast in color.
½ medium red onion (sliced): Delivers subtle sweetness and depth.
12 ounces angel hair pasta: The delicate strands soak up the sauce perfectly without overpowering the shrimp.
Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the fresh flavors.
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for sautéing onions and garlic, laying the foundation for the sauce.
½ cup yellow onion (diced): Adds a gentle aromatic sweetness in the sauce.
2 Tablespoons garlic (minced): The unmistakable pungent punch key to scampi.
1 cup white wine: Brightens the sauce and adds a subtle acidity—choose a dry variety like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
1 cup chicken stock: Deepens the savory flavor of the sauce.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten and balance richness.
1 Tablespoon dried parsley: For fresh herbaceous notes and color.
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right kick of warmth without overpowering.
¼ pound unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Whisked in at the end to create the sauce’s silky, luscious texture.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting is key to flavor your pasta all the way through. Add the angel hair pasta and cook just shy of al dente because it will finish cooking in the sauce and you want to avoid overcooked mushiness. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is a magic trick for loosening your sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Prepare the Scampi Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned—about three minutes. This gentle cooking unlocks their sweetness without bitterness. Deglaze the pan with your white wine, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom to boost flavor. Then add chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for five minutes, allowing the sauce to meld and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce

Remove your pan from the heat and whisk in the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter. This step is crucial—whisking in cold butter off the heat creates an emulsion that makes your sauce rich, glossy, and silky without separating. Set this luscious sauce aside while you prepare the veggies and shrimp.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp

Using the large pasta pot again (or a separate pan if you prefer), heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium. Add the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the red onion slices. Cook just until they start to soften, around 3 to 5 minutes, so they retain that lovely crunch and fresh bite that balances the richness of the sauce.

Next, pour in the prepared scampi sauce, followed by the shrimp. Cook the shrimp gently until they turn pink and curl slightly—watch closely, as shrimp cook quickly and you want them tender, not rubbery (the sides will turn milky white, never gray!).

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained angel hair into the pot with shrimp and sauce, folding carefully to coat every strand without breaking the delicate pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency—more saucy or lightly coated. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, and your Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a touch of color, while a few lemon wedges served on the side let each person add zesty freshness to their taste. For a hint of texture and flavor contrast, some grated Parmesan or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can be delightful too.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Scampi pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the buttery richness while roasted or steamed asparagus or broccoli add vibrant, healthy veggies that soak up the sauce wonderfully. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread is a must-have to mop up every last drop of that luscious scampi sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp scampi over creamy risotto or alongside fluffy polenta to soak up all the buttery goodness. Alternatively, plate it in charming pasta bowls or rustic wooden boards for an informal yet elegant vibe that’ll make your dinner feel like a special occasion. No matter how you present it, this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe is bound to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain the flavor, but know the pasta may absorb some sauce overnight. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze particularly well because of the delicate pasta and creamy sauce—freezing can change their texture and cause separation. It’s best to enjoy shrimp scampi fresh but you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep the shrimp tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the shrimp and make pasta mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce and to ensure they sear nicely.

What type of white wine works best in the scampi sauce?

Dry white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio work beautifully. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the balance of flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can! Simply omit the shrimp and increase the bell peppers or add other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for the scampi sauce.

Is angel hair pasta necessary for this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe?

Angel hair pasta is traditional because it’s thin and delicate, but you can substitute with thin spaghetti or linguine if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking when tossing with the sauce?

Use reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce and gently toss the pasta—using a light hand helps keep the strands intact while ensuring every bite is glossy and coated.

Final Thoughts

If you love that playful mix of buttery, garlicky, and bright lemon flavors from Olive Garden, this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a total win. It’s approachable, full of vibrant ingredients, and perfect for when you want a restaurant-level meal without leaving home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.