If you’ve ever dined at the Cheesecake Factory, you know their Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a showstopper! It’s rich, buttery, and oh-so-delicious, with perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in a garlic sauce that just sings with flavor. I can’t help but smile every time I think about it. The best part? You can recreate this fantastic dish right in your own kitchen with my copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine recipe! Trust me, it’s easier than you think and makes for a delightful dinner that feels fancy but is super simple to whip up. Picture this: a cozy evening, a plate of this mouthwatering linguine, and a glass of white wine – heaven, right? Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
First things first, let’s get that linguine going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add in your 8 ounces of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente – you want it to have a little bite to it! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is super important, as you’ll be tossing it with that glorious sauce later!
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now, let’s get to the good part! In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter begins to bubble, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Oh wow, the aroma will hit you like a warm hug! Sauté the garlic for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant – you don’t want it to brown, as that can turn bitter. Trust me, this step is key for developing that delicious flavor!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, it’s time to add the star of the show – the shrimp! Toss in your 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. It’s super important not to overcook the shrimp, or they’ll become rubbery. We want them tender and juicy!
Step 4: Add Wine and Lemon Juice
Now, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and the juice of 1 lemon. This is where the magic happens! Let everything simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want to give it a little time for those flavors to meld together beautifully. Just imagine that zesty goodness infusing into the shrimp and butter – mmm!
Step 5: Combine Linguine and Herbs
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet along with 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Mix everything together really well, so the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. This is your moment to shine – make sure every strand of linguine gets that buttery, garlicky love!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. I like to give it a good sprinkle of each, but you can adjust it to your liking. Serve this beauty hot, and don’t forget to garnish with a little extra parsley if you’re feeling fancy! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, and I promise it’ll taste just as good as the restaurant version!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time – ready in just 25 minutes!
- Delicious flavors that transport you straight to the Cheesecake Factory.
- Succulent shrimp in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests!
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or extra veggies.
- A restaurant favorite made right in your kitchen – no reservations needed!
- Great for pairing with a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up that sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, always go for fresh shrimp if you can. Frozen shrimp works too, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Adjust the garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two! But if you prefer a milder flavor, stick to the original amount.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Trust me, it’s a must!
- Experiment with herbs: While parsley is classic, you can also try adding a bit of basil or even red pepper flakes for some heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Perfect your pasta: Make sure to cook the linguine just until al dente. It’ll continue to cook a little when you toss it with the sauce, so you don’t want it mushy!
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet. The longer it sits, the more the pasta absorbs the sauce, which can make it a bit dry.
- Pair wisely: A crisp white wine pairs beautifully with this dish, but if you’re not a wine drinker, a sparkling water with lemon can also do the trick!
Nutritional Information
This delicious copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine is not only a treat for your taste buds but also quite balanced in terms of nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, keeping in mind that these are estimates:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 25g
This dish makes for a filling meal that still keeps things light, especially when paired with a fresh salad. Enjoy every delicious bite while feeling good about your meal choice!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. It’s a great alternative if fresh shrimp isn’t available.
What type of white wine should I use?
I recommend using a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce. But if you don’t want to cook with wine, you can substitute with a little extra lemon juice and broth!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the linguine for a gluten-free pasta option. There are so many good varieties out there that hold up well in this dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic or mix in some diced jalapeños with the shrimp. It’ll give your dish a nice kick!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so it might be a little drier when reheated. You can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up again!
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
While I love this dish fresh, you can prep some elements ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, and then combine them with the sauce just before serving. That way, everything stays nice and fresh!
What can I serve with copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine?
I love serving this dish with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A nice glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs perfectly too!
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A copycat recipe of the famous Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine, featuring succulent shrimp in a garlic butter sauce over linguine pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for a few minutes.
- Toss in cooked linguine and parsley. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your preference.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: copycat cheesecake factory shrimp scampi linguine
