The Best Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi (A Decadent Pasta!)

Hello, my friends, and welcome to a recipe that is pure, unapologetic indulgence. If you’ve ever been to The Cheesecake Factory and fallen completely in love with their iconic Shrimp Scampi, then you are in for an incredible treat. Today, we are recreating that magnificent, decadent, and unbelievably delicious dish right in our own kitchens.

This isn’t your average, light, buttery scampi. This is the Cheesecake Factory version! We’re talking about large, juicy shrimp with a crispy Parmesan coating, arranged around a beautiful nest of angel hair pasta, all swimming in the most luxurious, rich, and garlicky white wine cream sauce. It’s a true showstopper of a meal that is perfect for a special date night in, a celebration, or any time you are craving a seriously impressive pasta dish.

Why You’ll Be Absolutely Obsessed With This Copycat Recipe

This is the ultimate restaurant-at-home experience. Here’s why it’s so spectacular:

• Perfectly Crispy Parmesan Shrimp: We coat the jumbo shrimp in a seasoned flour and Parmesan mixture before pan-frying, creating a light, savory, and wonderfully crispy crust.
• A Luxuriously Rich Cream Sauce: The from-scratch cream sauce is the heart of the dish. It’s rich with heavy cream, garlic, shallots, and white wine, creating a silky, decadent sauce that is simply divine.
• A True Restaurant-Copycat: This recipe faithfully recreates all the signature elements of the beloved Cheesecake Factory dish, from the crispy shrimp to the creamy sauce and angel hair pasta.
• Impressive Yet Achievable: While this dish looks and tastes incredibly gourmet and complex, the steps are straightforward and broken down, making it an achievable and rewarding project for any home cook.

Gather Your Decadent Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This impressive dish comes together with a handful of high-quality, flavorful ingredients.

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

For the Cream Sauce & Pasta:

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz. angel hair pasta
• 1 plum tomato, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Finely grated Parmesan, for serving

Crafting Your Shrimp Scampi: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s build this beautiful and decadent pasta dish. Prep all your ingredients first, as the final steps move quickly!

1. Prep and Bread the Shrimp: Pat your shrimp completely dry and toss them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a medium bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan, the black pepper, and the cayenne pepper. Add the shrimp to the flour mixture and toss to coat, gently pressing to make sure the coating adheres.
2. Cook the Crispy Shrimp: In a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Using tongs, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Carefully wipe out the skillet.

1. Start the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until the shallot has softened and the garlic is lightly golden, about 1 minute. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2. Reduce the Wine and Cream: Pour in the white wine and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce reduce until the liquid has nearly evaporated, which will take 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream has reduced and thickened slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta and Finish the Dish: While the sauce simmers, cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well. Add the finely chopped tomato and fresh basil to your finished cream sauce and season with salt and pepper. Add the hot, drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine.

1. Plate and Serve: Divide the pasta and sauce among your serving bowls. Artfully arrange the crispy fried shrimp around the pasta. Top everything with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of more fresh basil. Serve immediately!

Wise Tips for the Best Copycat Scampi

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, fry them in a single layer to ensure they get a beautiful, crispy crust all around. Work in batches if necessary.
• Reduce for Flavor: The steps of reducing the wine and then the cream are crucial. This concentrates the flavors and creates a rich, deeply flavorful sauce rather than a thin, milky one.
• Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: This is non-negotiable for a smooth sauce and the best flavor. Buy a wedge of Parmesan-Reggiano and grate it yourself. The pre-shredded kind will not melt as smoothly.
• Use Tail-On Shrimp: Leaving the tails on the shrimp is traditional for this dish and makes for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

What’s the best white wine to use?
A dry, crisp white wine that you would enjoy drinking is best. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay are all excellent choices.

Can I make this dish lighter?
This is a very rich and decadent dish by design. You could substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be significantly thinner and less rich.

What if I don’t have angel hair pasta?
Angel hair is classic for this dish because it’s so delicate, but spaghetti or linguine would also work well.

Conclusion

This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi is a truly special meal that brings the best of decadent restaurant dining into your own home. It’s a rewarding dish to make and an absolute delight to eat. I hope you love this little taste of luxury!