Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe

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why make this recipe

This Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe gives you a rich, garlicky pasta dish you can make at home fast. It uses simple ingredients, cooks quickly, and tastes like a restaurant meal. If you need more simple party ideas to pair with this dish, check our list of easy party snack recipes for gatherings.

introduction

This copycat keeps things simple. Basil butter melts into a light sauce. Shrimp cooks in minutes. Serve it over linguine or angel hair for a comfort meal. The steps are short and clear, so you can cook this on weeknights or for guests.

how to make Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe

Follow these steps in order and keep things ready before you start cooking.

1. Remove any large stems from basil and wash leaves. Shake off excess water and dry leaves with a paper towel.
2. Place basil leaves in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
3. Place butter in a small mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to whip until pliable.
4. Add garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, Romano cheese, and basil. Mix until well incorporated.
5. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
6. Melt basil butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Add shrimp and sauté until just done, about 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Serve shrimp and basil cheese garlic butter sauce over hot pasta.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top or serve on the side.
10. Store basil butter in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if you have leftovers.

Ingredients :

• 2 ounces fresh basil leaves (about 2 bunches)
• 10 ounces butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
• 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese
• 1 pound fresh linguine or angel hair pasta
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions :

• Remove any large stems from basil and wash leaves. Shake off excess water and dry leaves with a paper towel.
• Place basil leaves in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
• Place butter in a small mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to whip until pliable.
• Add garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, Romano cheese, and basil. Mix until well incorporated.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
• Melt basil butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add shrimp and sauté until just done, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Serve shrimp and basil cheese garlic butter sauce over hot pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top or serve on the side.
• Basil butter can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

how to serve Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe

Serve the shrimp and sauce hot over cooked linguine or angel hair. Add extra grated Parmesan at the table. A green salad or steamed vegetables make a light side. Finish the meal with a simple sweet dish like our collection of best berry dessert recipes for a fresh contrast.

how to store Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe

• Store cooked shrimp and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep basil butter in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet with a little butter or oil to avoid overcooking. Reheat pasta with a splash of water or extra butter to keep it moist.

tips to make Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe

• Dry the basil leaves before processing to avoid a watery butter.
• Use room-temperature butter so it mixes easily.
• Cook shrimp just until they are pink and firm; overcooking makes them tough.
• If you have no food processor, chop basil very fine by hand.
• Make basil butter ahead and bring it to room temperature or melt it gently before using.

variation (if any)

• Use chicken instead of shrimp for a different protein.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for heat.
• Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti depending on what you have.
• Mix in fresh cherry tomatoes for a brighter flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: Fresh basil works best for flavor and color. Dried basil is weaker; you would need much less and the butter will not be as bright.

Q: Can I freeze the basil butter?
A: Yes. Shape the butter into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Q: How do I know when shrimp are done?
A: Shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl slightly. Cook them 2 to 3 minutes in hot butter. Do not overcook.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your cheeses and other ingredients have no gluten additives.

Q: Is this recipe good for a crowd?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients and keep cooked pasta and shrimp warm in separate pans. Serve family-style.

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