Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Introduction

Have you ever craved the rich, buttery flavor of Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi Linguine but wished you could make it at home? This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine recipe brings the perfect balance of tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and al dente linguine straight to your kitchen. It’s a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for impressing family or guests.

Ingredients List

  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Substitutions:

  • Use gluten-free pasta to make it GF-friendly.
  • Swap white wine for low-sodium chicken broth if preferred.
  • For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the linguine

Boil salted water and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping the pan to deglaze. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine pasta and shrimp

Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with garlic butter sauce. Add cooked linguine and chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the shrimp scampi linguine, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tip: For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories420
Fat18g
Carbohydrates42g
Protein28g
Fiber2g
Sodium460mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • Substitute whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
  • Use less butter and increase olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
  • Load it up with extra veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Serve with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • Add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking shrimp: They cook fast and become rubbery if left too long.
  • Skipping pasta water: Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
  • Not seasoning adequately: Salt and lemon juice brighten the whole dish.

Storing Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep moist.
  • Freeze: Not recommended as shrimp texture changes when frozen and reheated.

Conclusion

This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a buttery, garlicky delight you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners and brings that restaurant magic right to your home kitchen.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Linguine is traditional, but spaghetti or fettuccine are great alternatives.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.