COPYCAT CHEESECAKE FACTORY SHRIMP SCAMPI LINGUINE
This recipe aims to replicate the popular Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine. Tender shrimp are tossed with linguine pasta in a light and flavorful garlic-butter sauce with a hint of white wine. It's a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or clam juice (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add wine and broth: Pour in the white wine and chicken broth or clam juice (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
- Add shrimp and lemon juice: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Do not overcook the shrimp. Stir in the lemon juice.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking.
- Wine: Choose a dry white wine for this recipe.
- Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pasta: You can use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, instead of linguine.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.