Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi 2025| A Light, Flavorful Delight

Is there anything more satisfying than a perfectly balanced seafood pasta dish? Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a fan-favorite that brings together tender shrimp, sautéed with a medley of fresh asparagus, tomatoes, and a light garlic sauce, all served over a bed of angel hair pasta. This dish offers the ideal blend of bright, zesty flavors and comforting Italian-inspired cuisine, making it a go-to choice for seafood lovers.

At just 490 calories, the Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a lighter yet indulgent option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The delicate garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while the crisp vegetables add a refreshing contrast. Served in a generous portion, this entrée is both satisfying and well-balanced, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a flavorful yet not overly heavy pasta dish.

Priced at $20.99, the Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi delivers high-quality seafood and fresh ingredients at an affordable cost. In this article, I’ll explore everything you need to know about this beloved dish, including its nutritional breakdown, allergen information, and a detailed ingredients table. I’ll also discuss why people love it and provide a step-by-step guide to recreating it at home, so you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime.

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Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	490
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	220mg
Sodium	1270mg
Total Carbs	61g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Sugars	7g
Protein	29g

Allergen Information

Allergen	Contains?
Gluten	✅ Yes (pasta)
Shellfish	✅ Yes (shrimp)
Dairy	✅ Yes (butter, cheese)
Eggs	✅ Yes (possible in pasta)
Soy	❌ No
Peanuts	❌ No
Tree Nuts	❌ No
Fish	❌ No

Check out my insightful article on Olive Garden Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo

Ingredients

Ingredient	Description
Shrimp	Large, tender shrimp sautéed to perfection
Angel Hair Pasta	Thin, delicate pasta that absorbs the light garlic sauce
Garlic Butter Sauce	A blend of garlic, butter, and seasonings for a rich flavor
Asparagus	Fresh, crisp asparagus adds a healthy touch
Tomatoes	Juicy, ripe tomatoes for a pop of sweetness
Lemon Juice	Enhances the zesty, refreshing taste
Parmesan Cheese	Finely grated for a creamy, savory finish
Olive Oil	Used to sauté the shrimp and vegetables
Seasonings	A mix of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs

Why People Love Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi has earned a loyal following for several reasons, combining flavor, quality, and balance into one satisfying dish. Here’s why people can’t get enough of it:

Light Yet Flavorful

As opposed to richer, creamier pasta dishes, Shrimp Scampi boasts a light garlic butter sauce that brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering the dish. A little lemon juice and fresh vegetables contribute to a pleasant, zesty contrast that makes every bite so interesting.

Beautiful Shrimp

Seafood lovers appreciate the tender, juicy shrimp that are expertly cooked to maintain their succulence. The high-protein content (29g per serving) also makes it a filling yet healthier option compared to other pasta dishes.

Well-Balanced Ingredients

This dish strikes a perfect balance between carbs, protein, and vegetables. The angel hair pasta absorbs the garlic sauce perfectly, while the asparagus and tomatoes add crunch and bursts of flavor. It is a wholesome, well-rounded meal that satisfies without feeling too heavy.

Lower in Calories Than Other Pasta Dishes

Shrimp Scampi has 490 calories per serving. Thus, it is lighter compared to Fettuccine Alfredo or Chicken Parmigiana. It’s ideal for people who prefer a pasta dish that doesn’t contain much cream, cheese, or calories.

Classic Italian Comfort

There’s something unmistakably comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, and Olive Garden brings that home-cooked Italian feel with Shrimp Scampi. Whether it’s a family dinner, a date night, or just personal indulgence, it brings the perfect mix of comfort and elegance to the table.

How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi at Home

If you love Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi, you’ll be happy to know you can recreate it at home with fresh ingredients and simple steps. This recipe captures the same light, garlicky, and buttery flavors that make the restaurant version so popular.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

8 oz angel hair pasta
12-16 large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup asparagus (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions (about 4 minutes) until al dente.
Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the red pepper flakes, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.

4. Make the Sauce

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in butter and lemon juice, allowing the butter to melt and blend into the sauce.

5. Combine Everything

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta, stirring everything together so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine.

6. Serve & Garnish

Plate the shrimp scampi and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

✅ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemon juice, garlic, and quality shrimp make a huge difference.
✅ Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking makes it rubbery.
✅ Adjust the Spice Level – Red pepper flakes add heat, so use more or less depending on preference.
✅ Wine Adds Depth – White wine enhances the sauce’s flavor, but chicken broth works as a substitute.
✅ Make it Creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, cream-based version.

conclusion

This is a loved dish at Olive Garden, especially since it maintains an excellent blend of savory and zesty tastes combined with the freshness of this light yet very satisfying pasta dish. With delicate shrimp, crispy vegetables, and a delicate garlic butter sauce, it remains the standout option among seafood lovers or even those preferring healthier alternatives compared to cream-based pasta dishes. For $20.99, this dish would only cost a client 490 calories.

Other than its tastiness, this dish is loved for its well-balanced ingredients, lighter calorie count, and comforting yet refined flavors. Whether you enjoy it at Olive Garden or prepare it at home, Shrimp Scampi is a great choice for a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal. Following a simple homemade recipe, you can recreate this signature dish with fresh ingredients and make it your own.

From its nutritional and allergen details to its ingredients and cooking process, we have explored everything you need to know about Shrimp Scampi. Whether dining out or cooking at home, this dish continues to be a favorite among those who appreciate quality seafood, classic Italian flavors, and a touch of elegance in their meals.

faqs

Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi consists of sautéed shrimp, angel hair pasta, garlic butter sauce, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is known for its light, zesty flavor with a balance of seafood, fresh vegetables, and a savory garlic-infused sauce.

Yes, Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi is a healthier pasta option compared to heavier, cream-based dishes. It contains 490 calories per serving, with 29g of protein and 5g of fiber, making it a lighter yet satisfying meal. However, it has 1270mg of sodium, which may be high for those watching their salt intake. Overall, it’s a better choice for those looking for a flavorful yet lower-calorie pasta dish.

Shrimp Scampi is traditionally made with shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, and seasonings, often served over pasta or with crusty bread. Some variations include red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor. Olive Garden’s version adds angel hair pasta, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes for extra texture and freshness.

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi 2025| A Light, Flavorful Delight

Nutritional Information

Allergen Information

Ingredients