Welcome, food enthusiasts! If you’ve ever dined at the Cheesecake Factory and found yourself savoring their incredible Shrimp Scampi Linguine, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into a copycat recipe that captures the same rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for a fancy family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your kitchen. In this article, I’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the shrimp to creating a delectable scampi cream sauce, ensuring you master this dish effortlessly.
Let’s get started on making your very own Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine!
Introduction
The Cheesecake Factory’s Shrimp Scampi Linguine is known for its bold flavors and creamy texture, topped with juicy, golden-fried shrimp. This Italian-American dish is a perfect blend of zesty lemon, Cajun spices, and rich cream sauce. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home not only allows you to customize the ingredients but also lets you enjoy a hearty meal for a fraction of the cost.
What sets this dish apart is the balance of flavors — a hint of garlic, the brightness of lemon, and the comforting creaminess of cheese. Let’s explore how you can make this classic shrimp pasta dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
To recreate this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine, you’ll need:
Shrimp:
- 2 pounds of jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on.
- 2 tbsp melted butter.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- 1 tsp lemon pepper.
- Kosher salt to taste.
Panko Breading:
- 1 cup of plain panko breadcrumbs.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper.
- Kosher salt to taste.
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil for frying.
For the Scampi Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped.
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped.
- 1/2 cup of red onion or shallot, finely diced.
- 1 tbsp garlic paste or chopped garlic.
- 2 tbsp butter.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 1/2 cup Pinot Grigio or any dry white wine.
- 2 cups heavy cream.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese or Italian cheese blend.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest.
- 1 lb linguine.
Substitution Tip: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko and pasta.
How to Make Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Begin by seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss in the melted butter and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step2: Create the Panko Breading
- In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and lemon pepper. This will add a crispy texture to the shrimp.
Step3: Bread the Shrimp
- Coat each shrimp in the panko mixture and place on a wire rack to set. This step helps the breading adhere better when frying.
Step4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Place fried shrimp on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
Step5: Prepare the Scampi Sauce
- In a large non-stick skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onions, garlic, and tomatoes until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step6: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the wine reduce by half before adding the heavy cream.
Step7: Simmer the Cream Sauce
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Step8: Add the Linguine
- Once the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, add the cooked linguine. Toss to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the scampi sauce.
Step9: Serve
- Plate the pasta, top with fried shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice will enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
- Preheat the Oil Properly: Ensuring your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) will result in perfectly crispy shrimp.
- Deglaze with Quality Wine: Pinot Grigio is recommended, but any dry white wine will work.
Cooking Tips
- Best Linguine Texture: Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Ideal Frying Technique: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistently crispy shrimp.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or crostini.
- A light Caesar salad.
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
For a special touch, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 720
- Total Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 40g
- Vitamin A: 30%
- Vitamin C: 40%
Nutritional info for Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine is based on estimated values.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as the cream sauce can become grainy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning. - What type of pasta works best with scampi?
Linguine is traditional, but fettuccine or spaghetti can also be used. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast. - How can I make this less spicy?
Omit the Cajun seasoning and reduce the lemon pepper for a milder flavor.
Related Recipes
Check out these similar recipes on Optimal Recipes:
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Linguine
– A quick, zesty pasta dish for busy weeknights.
- Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp
– A flavorful blend of coconut, lemongrass, and ginger.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine as much as I did. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or any personal variations you’ve made in the comments below!
Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating! 😊
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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine Recipe
Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! If you’ve ever dined at the Cheesecake Factory and found yourself savoring their incredible Shrimp Scampi Linguine, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into a copycat recipe that captures the same rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for a fancy family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your kitchen. In this article, I’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the shrimp to creating a delectable scampi cream sauce, ensuring you master this dish effortlessly.
Let’s get started on making your very own Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 pounds of jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on.
- 2 tbsp melted butter.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- 1 tsp lemon pepper.
- Kosher salt to taste.
For the Panko Breading:
- 1 cup of plain panko breadcrumbs.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper.
- Kosher salt to taste.
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil for frying.
For the Scampi Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped.
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped.
- 1/2 cup of red onion or shallot, finely diced.
- 1 tbsp garlic paste or chopped garlic.
- 2 tbsp butter.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 1/2 cup Pinot Grigio or any dry white wine.
- 2 cups heavy cream.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese or Italian cheese blend.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest.
- 1 lb linguine.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Begin by seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss in the melted butter and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Create the Panko Breading
- In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and lemon pepper. This will add a crispy texture to the shrimp.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
- Coat each shrimp in the panko mixture and place on a wire rack to set. This step helps the breading adhere better when frying.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Place fried shrimp on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Scampi Sauce
- In a large non-stick skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onions, garlic, and tomatoes until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the wine reduce by half before adding the heavy cream.
Step 7: Simmer the Cream Sauce
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Step 8: Add the Linguine
- Once the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, add the cooked linguine. Toss to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the scampi sauce.
Step 9: Serve
- Plate the pasta, top with fried shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice will enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
- Preheat the Oil Properly: Ensuring your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) will result in perfectly crispy shrimp.
- Deglaze with Quality Wine: Pinot Grigio is recommended, but any dry white wine will work.
