Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe

Irresistible Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe

Twirling your fork through a delectable Cheesecake Factory shrimp scampi linguine that rivals restaurant-quality dishes.

Seafood lovers will appreciate this simple yet luxurious pasta creation bursting with garlic and herb flavors.

Fresh shrimp dance among silky linguine strands, promising a restaurant-inspired meal you can craft at home.

Delicate shellfish and tender pasta come together in a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but this recipe breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps.

Each bite transports you to a sophisticated dining experience without expensive restaurant prices.

Grab your apron and prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Why Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Is A Hit

  • Savor Seafood Sensation: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality shrimp scampi with perfectly tender, succulent shrimp that burst with garlic and white wine flavors.
  • Whip Up Fast Feast: Prepare this delicious meal in just 25-30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe allows simple modifications like adjusting spice levels, adding extra vegetables, or swapping protein, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Indulge in Creamy Comfort: The luxurious sauce combines white wine, butter, and optional cream, creating a rich, velvety coating that clings beautifully to linguine and elevates the entire dish.

All You’ll Need For Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Pasta Base:
  • Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that holds the sauce beautifully, perfect for seafood dishes.
Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that brings ocean freshness, wild-caught or large Gulf shrimp recommended.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, White Wine, Chicken Broth: Classic scampi liquid base that creates rich, delicate flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertones, fresh garlic cloves preferred.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that add zesty freshness and balance the richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for creating silky, luxurious sauce texture.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential spices for layering heat and depth of flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that adds creamy complexity, freshly grated recommended.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides color and light herbal notes, flat-leaf variety preferred.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil used for cooking shrimp and preventing pasta sticking, extra virgin preferred.

Steps For Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Step 1: Boil Linguine Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop linguine into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Drain the pasta, saving a little pasta water. Toss the noodles with a splash of olive oil to keep them from clumping together.

Step 2: Season and Sear Succulent Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and give them a flavor boost with a dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat up a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Slide the shrimp into the hot pan and cook them until they turn a gorgeous pink color and look beautifully opaque. Carefully remove the shrimp and set them aside for later.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to shimmer. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute, releasing its irresistible aroma. Pour in:
  • White wine
  • Broth
Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly. Brighten things up with:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Heavy cream (optional but recommended)

Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce becomes luxuriously silky.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Shrimp

Introduce the cooked linguine to the sauce, twirling and coating every strand. Sprinkle in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley

If the sauce looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water. Gently reunite the shrimp with the pasta, giving everything a loving toss.

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Spread the pasta onto plates with flair. Shower with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add a bright lemon wedge on the side for that final touch of freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Helpful Hints For Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Toss freshly cooked linguine with olive oil immediately after draining to keep noodles separated and prevent clumping.
  • Perfectly Cook Shrimp: Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture and maintain tender, juicy consistency.
  • Boost Sauce Flavor: Deglaze the pan with wine and broth to capture delicious browned bits, adding depth and complexity to the scampi sauce.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky smooth coating on the linguine.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free version, use dairy-free butter alternative, and choose low-sodium broth for personalized dietary requirements.

Storing Tips For Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta and shrimp to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Wrap container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent sauce from drying out or separating.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery and pasta soggy, so stovetop reheating works best for maintaining texture and flavor.

Perfect Matches For Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Enhance Wine Pairing: Complement the zesty shrimp scampi with a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the rich buttery sauce and highlights the seafood's delicate flavor.
  • Refresh with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a bright lemon drop martini or a classic margarita to mirror the dish's citrusy notes, providing a tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Balance with Herb-Infused Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, offering a peppery, fresh contrast to the creamy, rich linguine and adding textural variety to the meal.
  • Cleanse with Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to cleanse the palate, cutting through the butter and cream while enhancing the dish's bright, oceanic flavors.

Creative Ideas For Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops, mussels, and calamari, adding extra red pepper flakes and a splash of chili oil for a bold Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience.
  • Herb-Infused Coastal Classic: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, and dill into the sauce, swapping white wine for a lighter seafood stock and using whole wheat linguine for a more nutritious base.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Remix: Substitute shrimp with roasted artichoke hearts, grilled zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes, keeping the creamy garlic sauce and using vegetable broth for depth of flavor.
  • Light Coastal Protein Bowl: Transform the dish into a protein-packed salad by serving over quinoa, adding grilled jumbo shrimp, and creating a lighter lemon-herb vinaigrette instead of the cream-based sauce.

FAQs About Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

  • What makes this Shrimp Scampi Linguine similar to the Cheesecake Factory version?

This recipe captures the restaurant’s signature rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, using classic ingredients like white wine, butter, and fresh herbs that give it that authentic restaurant-quality flavor.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re fully deveined before seasoning and cooking. Fresh or frozen both work great for this dish.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and form a gentle C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery. Typically, this takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp, or add a dash of hot sauce to the scampi sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Print
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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Culinary magic sparkles in this copycat Shrimp Scampi Linguine, bringing Cheesecake Factory’s iconic dish straight to home kitchens. Succulent shrimp nestled in garlic-butter sauce over perfectly cooked linguine promises a restaurant-quality meal that delights and satisfies.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) linguine

Seasonings and Sauce Components:

  • ½ tsp salt (for boiling water)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 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
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Oils and Fats:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the linguine in a generously salted water bath, allowing it to dance until perfectly tender. Once cooked, rescue a portion of the starchy liquid before draining, then lovingly coat the noodles with a whisper of olive oil to prevent clinging.
  2. Season the shrimp with a vibrant blend of salt, pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes. Sear the delicate seafood in a sizzling skillet, transforming them from translucent to a blush-pink hue in mere moments. Carefully transfer the cooked shrimp to a waiting plate.
  3. Unleash the scampi sauce by melting butter in the same skillet, creating a golden stage for minced garlic to perform its aromatic ballet. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine and broth, capturing every nuanced flavor clinging to the surface. Allow the liquid to reduce and concentrate its essence.
  4. Introduce velvety lemon juice, bright zest, and a luxurious swirl of cream to the sauce, letting it evolve into a silky symphony. Gently fold the linguine into this liquid masterpiece, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly embraced by the sauce’s rich character.
  5. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley throughout the dish, creating bursts of flavor and color. If the sauce feels too robust, soften its intensity with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Reunite the shrimp with the sauced linguine, allowing them to intermingle gently. Plate the creation with an artistic flourish, garnishing with additional Parmesan, a scattering of parsley, and a bright lemon wedge to awaken the palate.

Notes

  • Select large, fresh shrimp for the most succulent texture and best flavor profile in this copycat recipe.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque to maintain tenderness.
  • Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, helping create a silky, perfectly coated linguine.
  • Opt for dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the scampi’s delicate seafood notes without overpowering the dish.
  • Elevate the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Boost protein content by adding grilled chicken alongside shrimp for a heartier meal option that suits different dietary preferences.
  • Maximize flavor development by using freshly minced garlic and allowing it to bloom in butter before introducing liquid ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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