Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi: Creamy Restaurant-Style Comfort at Home

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi is known for its rich, luxurious sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta that feels indulgent yet balanced. This homemade version captures the essence of the restaurant favorite while keeping the process approachable for home cooks. What makes this recipe especially appealing is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor or texture.

When I first recreated this dish at home, I was impressed by how a few simple ingredients could produce such a bold, comforting result. I experimented with adjusting the garlic and cream levels, and the sauce remained silky and satisfying every time. This recipe is ideal for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you want to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your own table. Creamy, garlicky, and deeply flavorful, this shrimp scampi is a dish you will want to master and serve often.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large shrimp are the star of this dish. They cook quickly and remain tender when handled gently, making them perfect for creamy sauces.

Butter adds richness and forms the foundation of the scampi sauce, giving it a smooth and indulgent character.

Olive oil helps balance the butter and prevents it from burning while sautéing the shrimp.

Garlic provides the signature aroma and bold flavor associated with classic scampi dishes. Freshly minced garlic works best.

Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that makes this version reminiscent of the Cheesecake Factory style.

White wine adds depth and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.

Lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the cream and butter.

Parmesan cheese contributes a savory, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce slightly.

Angel hair or thin spaghetti pasta works best, as it absorbs the sauce beautifully without feeling heavy.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the shrimp.

Fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color just before serving.

Directions

Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

Heat olive oil and butter together in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook briefly on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.

In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook just until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, reducing slightly and cooking off the alcohol.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.

Return the shrimp to the pan, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately four servings.

Preparation time is about 15 minutes.

Cooking time is roughly 25 minutes.

Total time required is around 40 minutes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

Storage/reheating

Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Variations and Customizations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with milk or reserved pasta water. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.

If you enjoy spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for gentle heat.

You can substitute shrimp with scallops or a mix of seafood for a more elaborate dish.

For added vegetables, stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach just before combining the pasta and sauce.

Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe without altering the flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best?

Angel hair or thin spaghetti is ideal, but fettuccine can also be used.

Is white wine necessary?

It adds depth, but you can substitute with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.

How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?

Cook shrimp briefly and remove them from the pan until the sauce is ready.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but components can be prepped in advance.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it is mild, but spice can be added easily.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Raw shrimp is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add a small amount of pasta water or cream to loosen it.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, Parmesan works well and enhances the creamy texture.

What can I serve with shrimp scampi?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

This Cheesecake Factory–style shrimp scampi brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen. With its creamy garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and elegant simplicity, it is a dish that feels special without being complicated. Perfect for both casual meals and entertaining, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home cooking rotation.