Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

When it comes to restaurant-style pasta dishes, few are as iconic and crave-worthy as the Shrimp Scampi Linguine from The Cheesecake Factory. With its tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a dish that has won the hearts of many. If you’ve ever wished you could recreate this masterpiece in the comfort of your own home, now you can!

Our Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine recipe takes all the flavors you love about the famous dish and brings them right to your kitchen. This recipe is packed with juicy shrimp, a rich garlic-butter sauce, a touch of lemon, and a sprinkle of parmesan, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked linguine. It’s the ideal balance of richness and freshness, making it a perfect meal for date nights, special occasions, or even a weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Skip the wait and the cost of dining out with this easy-to-make, copycat recipe that tastes just like the original.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
✔ Garlic Butter Goodness – The garlicky butter sauce is full of depth and richness, making every bite irresistible.
✔ Perfectly Cooked Shrimp – Tender, juicy shrimp are the star of the show, adding a burst of flavor to the dish.
✔ Customizable – Add more veggies, switch the pasta, or adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp Scampi Linguine:

500g (1 lb) linguine pasta
450g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-24 shrimp)
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.
Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need to loosen the sauce.
Stir in the cooked shrimp, making sure they’re well-coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Divide the shrimp scampi linguine into serving plates.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

✅ Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry.

✅ Adjust the Heat – If you love a bit of spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

✅ Wine or Broth? – While white wine is traditional for this recipe, chicken broth can be used as a substitute if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. The broth still provides great depth of flavor.

✅ Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook very quickly, so make sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink. Overcooking them will make them rubbery and tough.

✅ Add Veggies – You can boost the nutrition and flavor by adding vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini. Just toss them in with the pasta during the final steps of cooking.

✅ Make it Creamy – For a creamier sauce, you can stir in heavy cream or cream cheese with the butter and garlic for a rich, velvety texture.

What to Serve with Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

🥗 Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the rich shrimp scampi.
🍞 Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Try serving this dish with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy and vibrant side dish.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine recipe brings the flavors of one of the most beloved pasta dishes into your kitchen, offering a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The garlicky, buttery sauce, the tender shrimp, and the perfectly cooked linguine come together in a dish that’s bound to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing guests, this dish is sure to deliver big on flavor and satisfaction.