Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Recipe! You Won’t Believe It

If you’re a fan of Cheesecake Factory, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their Shrimp Scampi. It’s one of their most popular dishes, and I completely understand why. The plump shrimp, the rich, garlicky sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta – it’s a symphony of flavors that makes you want to order seconds.

But did you know you can recreate that restaurant magic right in your own kitchen? I’m here to show you how! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need for the ultimate Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi recipe.

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Key Takeaways

• Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi is a beloved classic for a reason – it’s garlicky, buttery, and incredibly satisfying.
• Making this restaurant favorite at home is surprisingly easy.
• With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a copycat version that rivals the original.

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Before we dive into recipes, let’s get a little background. Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish. The word “scampi” actually refers to a type of small lobster (also called langoustines), but in the US, it’s synonymous with a garlicky, white wine-based shrimp dish.

Traditional scampi is incredibly simple: shrimp, lots of garlic, olive oil, white wine, butter, herbs, and often a squeeze of lemon. The Cheesecake Factory version likely has a few richer elements, like cream in the sauce.

Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

The key to a fantastic copycat recipe is using the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Shrimp	1-1.5 lbs	Large or jumbo, peeled deveined, tails optional
Olive oil	2-3 tbsp
Butter	4-5 tbsp	Unsalted is best
Garlic	5-6 cloves	Minced
Shallot	1 small	Finely diced (optional, but adds a nice depth)
Dry white wine	1 cup	Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well
Heavy Cream	1/2 cup	Adds richness
Lemon juice	1-2 tbsp	Freshly squeezed
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground is best
Crushed red pepper flakes	1/4 tsp (optional)	For a touch of heat
Angel hair pasta	12 oz	Or your favorite pasta shape
Fresh parsley	1/4 cup	Chopped, for garnish
Parmesan cheese	1/4 cup	Grated, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Small bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp: The Star of the Show

Alright, let’s start with the main attraction. If you’re using fresh shrimp, give them a quick rinse and thorough pat dry – no soggy shrimp allowed! About 1 to 1.5 pounds is perfect for a satisfying meal. Now, you can butterfly the shrimp for faster cooking (cut along the back and slightly open them up), but leaving them whole is also delicious. The tails are optional – some folks love the presentation, others find them a bit messy. It’s your call!

2. Cook the Pasta: The Perfect Base

While your shrimp hang out, get that pasta going! A large pot of salted water (salty like the sea, people!) is key. Angel hair cooks in a flash – usually about 4 minutes. But hey, if you crave linguine or a fun shape like bowties, go for it! The shrimp scampi won’t judge your pasta choices. Drain it well once it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

3. The Scampi Sauce: Where the Magic Happens

This, my friend, is where the flavor party starts. Grab a large skillet – we want room for those shrimp to shine. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and a generous chunk of butter (about 2 tablespoons) over medium heat. Once that butter melts and gets all bubbly, it’s go time! Toss in 5-6 cloves of minced garlic. You want that amazing aroma to fill the kitchen. Add a finely diced shallot (optional) for a more complex flavor. Cook just until they soften, about 30 seconds is all it takes.

Now, let’s deglaze! That’s fancy cook-speak for adding a liquid to release all those tasty browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Pour in a cup of dry white wine – something like a Pinot Grigio works beautifully. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up all that good stuff.

Time for richness! Whisk in about half a cup of heavy cream, a tablespoon or two of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a good pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. If you like a little kick, toss in a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let that sauce simmer and thicken slightly – it’ll coat the pasta and shrimp like a dream.

4. Cook the Shrimp: Fast and Flavorful

Let’s bump up the heat to medium-high and add the rest of the butter. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and get a gorgeous golden sear. Add them in a single layer – crowding the pan is a recipe for mushy shrimp, and nobody wants that! Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Careful not to overcook them, or they’ll be like little rubber erasers.

5. Combine and Serve: The Delicious Finale

We’re in the home stretch! Remove those beautiful shrimp from the pan and set them aside. Give that glorious sauce a taste – it might need a final hit of lemon or salt. Now, toss the cooked pasta right into the skillet and let it soak up all of that flavor. Gently return the shrimp to the party, giving everything a final toss.

Garnish time! A shower of chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add beautiful color and freshness. And that, my fellow food enthusiasts, is how you create Cheesecake Factory-level shrimp scampi right in your own kitchen. Get ready for some seriously impressed taste buds!

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

• Use the Freshest Shrimp: High-quality shrimp makes a massive difference. If possible, buy wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp.
• Don’t Skip the Wine: Dry, crisp white wine is essential for the classic scampi flavor. Don’t substitute with cooking wine.
• Watch that Shrimp! Shrimp cook incredibly fast. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery – not what we’re after!
• Taste and Adjust: The sauce is delicious, but it’s also very personal. Taste before serving and adjust with more lemon, salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi is fantastic with:

• The Classic: Angel hair pasta is the traditional choice, and for good reason!
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce.
• Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the scampi.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini would be delicious.

Variations on Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is:

• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers with the shrimp.
• Change the Pasta: Try linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free? You can try alternatives – cashew cream might work well for the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Recipe Conclusion:

There you have it – the secrets to recreating Cheesecake Factory’s beloved Shrimp Scampi in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers incredible restaurant-quality flavor.

Remember to use the freshest ingredients, taste and adjust the sauce to your liking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own signature dish.