Craving that classic Italian-American dish you've come to love at Olive Garden? Bring the restaurant's signature Shrimp Scampi Fritta to your home with this easy-to-follow recipe! This crispy, golden delight is a symphony of flavors that's sure to impress your friends and family. Let's dive right in and replicate this Olive Garden favorite in your own kitchen.
Shrimp Scampi Fritta features crispy, golden-fried shrimp sitting atop a bed of creamy tomato sauce, all atop a bed of Linguine. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors that come together to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 8 oz Linguine
- Chapman's™ Parmesan Romano® cheese, for serving
Prepare the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the shrimp in the seasoned flour until each piece is fully coated. Set aside for a moment.
In a large, deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Create the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and season the sauce with salt to taste. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while you cook the pasta.
Cooking the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the Linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
Toss the cooked Linguine with a little bit of the pasta water to help it absorb the sauce better. Divide the pasta among serving plates and top each with a generous amount of Shrimp Scampi Fritta. Sprinkle generously with Chapman's™ Parmesan Romano® cheese and serve immediately.
ENJOY YOUR HOMEMADE SHRIMP SCAMPI FRITTA FROM OLIVE GARDEN!
