Lightened-up shrimp scampi recipe inspired by Olive Garden, served in a bowl with pasta, lemon, and herbs
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi (Lightened Up & Delicious)
Updated on 3/30/25
This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is a healthier twist on the famous restaurant version — ready in under 30 minutes! Made with juicy shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a light buttery sauce, it’s one of the best light shrimp scampi recipes you can make at home. Serve it with whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, healthy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Inspired by Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi
- Uses wholesome ingredients like chicken broth, fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs
- A perfect weeknight dinner, ready in 30 minutes
- Easy to make WW-friendly and low carb
- Delicious with pasta, risotto, or veggie sides
I absolutely love Olive Garden’s recipe for Shrimp Scampi. It’s one of my favorite dishes. So with a bit of tinkering and experimenting in the kitchen, I think I’ve come up with the best Copycat Recipe for Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi – but with a healthy twist! This whole dish is the real thing with robust ingredients along with the bright flavors of lemon and crushed red pepper flakes equals a boatload of flavor!
Seriously, this copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe is the absolute best version of this classic Italian dish. It’s also a great recipe that will get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes or so. So the best part is there’s no need for going through the drive thru for fast food. It’s such a delicious and light dinner – perfect for the warmer weather.
My Healthy Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Obsession
Years ago, back when I first joined Weight Watchers, shrimp scampi was my go-to Italian dinner. Every night, I’d order a double serving of vegetables and one slice of bread to soak up the lemon garlic scampi sauce. It felt indulgent — but I still lost 7.5 pounds that first week! That moment started my obsession with this dish.
Now, I’ve recreated the Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi recipe with a healthier twist. It’s bursting with flavor from garlic, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. And I swapped out the extra butter and wine for chicken broth and starchy pasta water, cutting back on calories without losing any of that restaurant-quality taste.
After my first week, I was kinda nervous about getting weighed in at the WW meeting. I mean I ate out virtually every night that week and felt like I was cheating since I was eating such a decadent dinner every night. Once I hopped on the ancient doctor’s type of scale, the WW Leader asked me if I ate at all that week. I said, “Yes, why?” She said you lost 7.5 pounds! Needless to say, I was ecstatic and there began my obsession with Shrimp Scampi.
How This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Is Healthier Than the Original
- Replaces heavy wine and oil with a light chicken broth and pasta water combo
- Uses light butter and olive oil sparingly
- Skips breadcrumbs or flour coatings
- Still packed with garlic, lemon, herbs, and fresh shrimp
Nutrition Benefits
Each serving of this healthy shrimp scampi comes in at just 217 calories and provides over 20 grams of protein, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat light while keeping meals filling and satisfying. Shrimp is a lean source of protein and rich in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Learn more about the nutrition profile of shrimp here.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Not Full List)
- Large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Garlic and onion
- Chicken broth or dry white wine
- Fresh parsley and lemon
- Whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles
See full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, add olive oil and light butter. Cook onion and garlic until softened.
3. Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink.
4. Add Liquid & Flavor: Add chicken broth or wine, lemon juice, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Stir gently to combine.
5. Combine & Serve: Toss cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Top with grated Parmesan or Romano.
Serving Suggestions
- Over whole wheat spaghetti for a fiber-rich dinner
- With zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- Serve with steamed asparagus or broccoli on the side
- Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley
Copycat Olive Garden's Recipe for Shrimp Scampi Lightened UP | Dinner Ideas | Healthy Dinner Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz Box of Whole Wheat Spaghetti (or any type of Whole Wheat Pasta)
- 2 tbl Light Butter (Unsalted preferably)
- 2 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Large Onion, Diced or Minced
- 3-4 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
- 1.5 lbs Large Raw Shrimp, Peeled and DeVeined
- 1/2 Cup Fat Free Chicken Broth or Dry White White
- 3 Tbl Fresh Parsley, Copped
- 2 Large Lemons, Wedged and Divided
- 1/3 Cup Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese or Romano, Finely Grated
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti/pasta and cook according to package instructions. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain the pasta. Set drained pasta in a serving bowl and reserve the pasta cooking water.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, add butter and oil to a large saute pan set over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and continue to saute. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and begins to develop some color, approximately 5 minutes.
- Place shrimp in the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp changes color and the shrimp curls slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook. Add in the chicken broth or wine, parsley and squeeze the lemon wedges to add fresh lemon juice. Add in the reserved pasta water too. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired, and stir to combine.
- Top spaghetti with the cooked shrimp mixture and Parmesan or Romano Cheese. Serve immediately. Top some freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, if desired. Enjoy! On the WW Plan, each serving is 12 Points.
Nutrition
FAQs
What makes this a healthy shrimp scampi recipe? This version uses less oil, skips the cream, and swaps wine for chicken broth to keep it light and flavorful.
Can I make this with pre-cooked shrimp? It’s best with raw shrimp so it can absorb the flavors while cooking. Pre-cooked shrimp may turn rubbery.
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish celiac-friendly.
How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
If you’re craving that classic Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi flavor without the extra calories, this lightened-up version is sure to satisfy. Whether you’re following WW, eating low carb, or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold Italian flavor in under 30 minutes. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!
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