Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a beloved Italian-American dish that has found a special place on the menu of The Cheesecake Factory, a restaurant chain renowned for its extensive and indulgent offerings. This particular version of shrimp scampi is celebrated for its generous portions, robust flavors, and rich, buttery garlic sauce that envelops succulent shrimp, delicate pasta, and hints of white wine and lemon. The dish exemplifies the restaurant’s philosophy of taking classic comfort foods and elevating them into decadent dining experiences that appeal to a wide audience. The history of shrimp scampi as a dish is rooted in Italian cuisine, where “scampi” refers to a type of small lobster known as langoustines. However, in the United States, the term “scampi” evolved to represent the cooking style—typically involving sautéing shrimp in garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice. The Americanized version often substitutes shrimp for the original langoustine due to availability and preference. Over the decades, it became a staple in Italian-American households and restaurants. When The Cheesecake Factory introduced its own version, it embraced the rich, garlicky, and buttery essence of the traditional dish but enhanced it with restaurant-style finesse and abundant servings, making it one of the most popular seafood choices on their extensive menu.

Ingredients Breakdown
The ingredients for Cheesecake Factory-style shrimp scampi are both simple and luxurious. For the main protein, you’ll need one pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined). For the sauce, essential elements include four tablespoons of unsalted butter, two tablespoons of olive oil, six cloves of garlic (minced), and half a cup of dry white wine. To add brightness and tang, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are included. For seasoning, use salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat. Fresh parsley (chopped) is used for garnish, while optional grated Parmesan adds extra richness. A serving of angel hair or linguine pasta (about 12 oz) completes the dish. Some variations also include diced tomatoes, shallots, or even spinach for extra complexity. The beauty of the ingredients lies in their balance—each one contributes to a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that make shrimp scampi so crave-worthy.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant—avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in the remaining butter and lemon juice, allowing the butter to melt fully into a glossy sauce.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and add the cooked pasta. Mix everything gently, using a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and optionally a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor—wild-caught if possible. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery; as soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat. Use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced or garlic powder to achieve that robust garlicky aroma. Don’t skip the deglazing step with white wine; it adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a touch of grated Parmesan directly into the sauce. For an extra depth of flavor, sauté a bit of shallot before adding the garlic. Finish the dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness. Lastly, toss the pasta in the sauce right before serving so that it absorbs the flavors thoroughly without getting soggy.

Variations and Customizations
This dish is endlessly adaptable to personal tastes. For a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce. To make it creamier, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese toward the end of cooking. Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to boost nutritional value and texture. For a heartier version, serve the shrimp scampi over risotto or creamy polenta instead of pasta. You can also swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a few crumbles of feta cheese. Those avoiding dairy can omit the butter entirely and use olive oil only, or use plant-based alternatives. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta or serve it over rice or cauliflower rice. For a citrusy variation, add zest from the lemon in addition to the juice. You can also experiment with different seafood like scallops or crab to turn it into a mixed seafood scampi.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food that’s rich in iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12, making it a healthy base for this dish. Olive oil and garlic offer heart-healthy fats and antioxidant properties. However, the generous use of butter and pasta adds significant fat and carbs, which may not suit all dietary needs. Opting for whole grain or gluten-free pasta can improve the fiber content. Reducing butter and incorporating more vegetables will lower the overall calorie density while maintaining flavor. White wine contributes minimal calories but may not be suitable for those avoiding alcohol—even though it mostly evaporates during cooking. Sodium can be a concern, especially if you season heavily or use salted butter, so opt for low-sodium options when available. With smart adjustments, shrimp scampi can be a part of a balanced diet, providing ample protein and healthy fats with room for customization to suit specific health goals like weight management, low-carb diets, or heart-friendly plans.

FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare components ahead—store cooked shrimp and pasta separately and reheat gently.
Q: What wine should I use? A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid sweet wines.
Q: Can I make it without wine? Yes, substitute with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water.
Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free? Use olive oil or plant-based butter in place of regular butter, and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
Q: What pasta works best? Angel hair and linguine are traditional, but spaghetti or even fettuccine works just as well.
Q: How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi is a luxurious blend of garlic-butter shrimp and pasta in a white wine lemon sauce, perfect for an indulgent meal. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it's a dish that's both restaurant-worthy and easy to recreate at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 12 oz angel hair or linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a mild kick
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional for thinning sauce if needed

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Garlic and Shrimp

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Scampi Sauce

• In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom (this is where the flavor lives!). Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice.

Combine and Toss

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Season and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.