Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

This Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is the best copycat! It's a quick, easy and healthier version of your favourite restaurant dish.

There aren't any Olive Gardens near me anymore, but that's not stopping me from enjoying shrimp scampi! I've created the perfect copycat recipe. You'll have to try and see for yourself!

Why you'll love this recipe

• Perfect copycat: It tastes just like the Olive Garden version, but way less expensive.
• Light dinner: It's a healthier version made with whole ingredients and juicy shrimp.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Butter – use margarine or olive oil instead.
• Shrimp – you could also make chicken scampi.
• Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
• Dry white wine – use more broth for an alcohol-free option.
• Chicken broth – vegetable broth would also be good.
• Heavy cream – you can use half-and-half or dairy-free cream, but it won't be as creamy.
• Parmesan cheese – nutritional yeast is the best substitute here.
• Angel hair pasta – use any kind of pasta like spaghetti or fettucine.
• Asparagus – green beans or broccoli florets would also be good.
• Plum tomatoes – use cherry tomatoes or bell peppers instead.
• Fresh parsley – fresh basil would work too.

How to make shrimp scampi

Step 1: Cook the pasta and asparagus.

Cook pasta until al dente and boil asparagus.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp.

Cook the shrimp until they're no longer translucent.

Step 3: Sauté the garlic.

Sauté the garlic, then add the wine and cook until reduced.

Step 4: Make the sauce.

Pour in the broth, cream and parmesan. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Toss everything together.

Toss the pasta, asparagus and shrimp in the sauce.

Step 6: Add the tomatoes.

Add the tomatoes, garnish with parsley and serve.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make shrimp scampi without the wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth to get the same kind of depth of flavour.

What pasta goes best with scampi?

The Olive Garden version is usually made with angel hair pasta, but you can use any kind of noodles like fettucine or spaghetti. You could even serve it over zucchini noodles, gluten-free pasta or rice.

What can I use instead of heavy cream to lighten the dish?

To reduce the calorie content, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Doing that might change the flavour profile a bit!

What to serve with shrimp scampi

If you're looking for yummy side dish options, here are some ideas:

• Olive Garden breadsticks
• A light side salad like this brussels sprouts salad or kale salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic parmesan asparagus

How to store and reheat

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving, because the shrimp can become rubbery.

Freeze & reheat from frozen: Freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a pan and serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls to pack up your weekly lunches.