This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your kitchen. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon come together in a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it delivers bold, familiar flavors without complicated steps. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but quick enough for a weeknight meal. The balance of garlic, butter, olive oil, and citrus creates a light yet satisfying sauce that coats every strand of pasta and every bite of shrimp beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 400 g linguine pasta
• 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 120 ml chicken broth
• 120 ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 120 ml heavy cream
• 60 g grated parmesan-style cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet.
5. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce cook for another 2 minutes until lightly thickened.
8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
9. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
10. Sprinkle in the grated cheese and chopped parsley, tossing until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, making the total time around 40 minutes.

Variations

You can add sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with additional chicken broth. If you enjoy more heat, increase the red chili flakes or add a pinch of white pepper. You can also substitute linguine with spaghetti or fettuccine if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What size shrimp is best for shrimp scampi linguine?

Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and provide a satisfying bite.

Can I make this dish without cream?

Yes, you can omit the cream and use extra broth and a bit of butter for a more traditional scampi-style sauce.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly, removing it from direct heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chili flakes, but you can reduce or omit them if you prefer no heat.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if needed.

What can I serve with shrimp scampi linguine?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients like shrimp and garlic in advance to save time.

Why reserve pasta water?

Pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling better to the pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne can be used if linguine is unavailable.

Conclusion

This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine captures the essence of a classic restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and approachable steps. It’s creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, making it a dependable recipe you’ll want to return to whenever you crave a comforting yet refined pasta dish.

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