Indulge in Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Indulge in Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Recipe!

Are you craving the delectable, creamy, and garlic-infused Shrimp Scampi from the Cheesecake Factory? Look no further! We’ve cracked the code to bring this popular dish right to your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. This copycat recipe captures all the rich, buttery, and garlicky goodness you love, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for a special occasion.

Why You'll Love This Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Copycat

The Cheesecake Factory's Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish for a reason. It perfectly balances succulent shrimp with a luscious garlic butter sauce, often served over a bed of tender pasta. Our version replicates that magic, allowing you to enjoy the same flavors without leaving your home. It’s comforting, incredibly flavorful, and, best of all, customizable to your preference.

Ingredients You'll Need:

Here's what you'll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
For Serving:
- 12 oz linguine or your favorite pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Extra fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build Flavor

Pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked shrimp and chopped fresh parsley to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Now, add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the luscious scampi sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Don't forget those lemon wedges for a final squeeze of brightness!

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep a close eye on it!
Fresh Ingredients are Key: Fresh garlic and parsley will make a huge difference in the flavor of your scampi.
Quality Wine: Choose a dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking. You don't need an expensive bottle, but avoid "cooking wines" that often contain extra salt.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes to suit your palate.
Spice it Up: For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

What to Serve with Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:

Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
A Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing will balance the richness of the scampi.
Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli: Adds a healthy green vegetable to your plate.

Conclusion:

This Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi copycat recipe is a game-changer! It brings all the indulgence and flavor of a restaurant favorite right into your home with minimal effort. Get ready to savor every bite of this garlicky, buttery, and utterly delicious dish. Enjoy!