Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Copycat Recipe at Home

Culinary magic happens when our copycat cheesecake factory shrimp scampi linguine emerges from your kitchen.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this restaurant-worthy dish crafted with love and precision.

Succulent shrimp dance across perfectly cooked linguine, creating a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Each twirled forkful promises a delectable journey through garlic-infused olive oil and bright lemon notes.

Fresh herbs sprinkled generously elevate this classic pasta to extraordinary heights.

Authentic restaurant techniques merge seamlessly with home cooking simplicity.

You’ll feel like a professional chef mastering this incredible recipe in just minutes.

Let’s unlock the secret to recreating this beloved restaurant favorite right at home!

Shrimp Scampi Linguine FAQs You’ll Want to Read

  • What type of wine works best for this scampi sauce?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly. These wines add brightness without overpowering the delicate shrimp and garlic flavors.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Fresh or frozen both work great, but ensure they’re peeled and deveined.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a very mild heat. If you want more spice, increase the amount. If you prefer no heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. If you can boil pasta and sauté shrimp, you’ll easily master this restaurant-style dish at home.

Reasons to Try the Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Effortlessly recreate a gourmet Cheesecake Factory classic right in your kitchen without needing professional culinary skills.
  • Prepare this delicious shrimp scampi linguine in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or families craving a restaurant-style meal without long cooking times.
  • Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap cream for a lighter version, or modify ingredients based on dietary preferences while maintaining the dish's delectable essence.
  • Minimize cleanup with a one-pan cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious pasta dish, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.

Ingredients That Bring the Copycat Shrimp Scampi Linguine to Life

Pasta Base:
  • Linguine: Classic pasta that holds the scampi sauce beautifully, perfect for capturing rich flavors.
Protein:
  • Shrimp: Classic seafood protein with sweet, delicate flavor, best when fresh or high-quality frozen.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential spices for adding depth and subtle heat to shrimp and sauce.
Sauce Components:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Rich foundation for creating smooth, luxurious sauce with deep flavor.
  • White Wine: Adds sophisticated complexity and acidity to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and savory undertones.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy elements that balance the richness of the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for creating silky, rich sauce texture.
Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Classic Italian garnishes that add sharp, herbal notes and visual appeal.

How to Cook the Perfect Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Step 1: Boil Linguine Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle salt generously. Drop linguine into boiling water and cook until tender. Save some pasta water before draining. Toss cooked noodles with olive oil to keep them separated.

Step 2: Season and Sear Shrimp

Sprinkle shrimp with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and look translucent. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Scampi Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped garlic and cook until aromatic. Pour in:
  • White wine
  • Chicken broth
Scrape pan bottom to collect delicious browned bits. Let sauce simmer and reduce slightly. Mix in:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Heavy cream

Cook until sauce becomes slightly thicker.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Shrimp

Slide linguine into skillet and coat thoroughly with sauce. Sprinkle:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley

If sauce looks too thick, splash in reserved pasta water. Gently fold shrimp back into pasta.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spread pasta onto serving plates. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve right away while steaming hot.

Tips for Nailing the Copycat Shrimp Scampi Experience

  • Perfectly Cook Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a silky smooth texture that perfectly coats the linguine.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, which prevents a bitter taste and enhances the overall scampi sauce.
  • Maximize Freshness: Add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and bright herb flavor, giving the dish a restaurant-quality finish.
  • Customize Protein Options: Easily swap shrimp with chicken or scallops for a versatile recipe that adapts to different protein preferences and dietary needs.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Store leftover shrimp scampi linguine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Keep pasta and shrimp separate to prevent soggy texture and maintain optimal quality.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Avoid microwave reheating as it can make shrimp rubbery and pasta mushy. Stovetop method preserves the dish's delicious texture and flavor.

Delicious Pairings for Copycat Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the light, buttery shrimp scampi sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor.
  • Prepare a lemony arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Toast thin baguette slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic, perfect for soaking up the remaining scampi sauce and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
  • Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice, a touch of honey, and mint leaves to create a bright, zesty drink that refreshes the palate between bites of rich pasta.

Flavor Twists for Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Gluten-Free Linguine Swap: Replace traditional linguine with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original dish's delicious flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free alternative that's equally creamy and satisfying.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace shrimp with pan-seared king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, cutting them into strips to mimic the seafood texture while keeping the classic scampi sauce intact.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Spiralize zucchini into noodles as a pasta replacement, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the rich garlic and white wine sauce essence of the original recipe.
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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Culinary magic unfolds with Cheesecake Factory’s shrimp scampi linguine, bringing restaurant-quality flavors straight to home kitchens. Succulent shrimp nestled in garlic-butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta promise a restaurant-worthy meal you can savor without leaving home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz (340g) linguine

Seafood/Pasta Spices and Seasonings:

  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge linguine and cook until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy water before draining, then delicately coat pasta with olive oil to prevent clumping.
  2. Season succulent shrimp with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Gently introduce shrimp, allowing them to dance and transform into a beautiful pink hue with translucent centers. Tenderly transfer cooked shrimp to a waiting plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet as a flavor canvas. Melt butter until it shimmers, then introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment. Cascade white wine and broth into the pan, using a wooden spoon to liberate delicious caramelized bits clinging to the surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and concentrate its flavors.
  4. Brighten the developing sauce with a zesty burst of lemon juice and delicate zest. Introduce heavy cream to create a luxurious texture, stirring until the mixture achieves a velvety consistency. Carefully fold linguine into the sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated.
  5. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley throughout the dish, creating layers of flavor. Gently reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp, allowing them to warm through. If the sauce feels too dense, splash in reserved pasta water to achieve ideal creaminess.
  6. Artfully plate the linguine, arranging shrimp with precision. Garnish with additional Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and a wedge of lemon for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s peak temperature and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Perfectly cook shrimp by avoiding overcrowding the pan, ensuring each piece gets direct heat and develops a beautiful golden sear without steaming.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught and deveined to simplify preparation.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes, making the dish adaptable for mild or bold palate preferences.
  • Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting regular linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising the rich scampi flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 73g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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