Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
Sautéed shrimp with angel hair, asparagus, and tomatoes in garlic-butter scampi sauce. About $18.99 to $26.99 and roughly 510 calories.
Explore the GuideOverview
Light, garlicky, and fresh
If you enjoy pasta dishes that feel lighter than a rich Alfredo but still deliver plenty of flavor, Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi deserves a spot on your list. It combines sautéed shrimp, angel hair pasta, fresh vegetables, and a buttery garlic sauce with just enough brightness from lemon to keep every bite fresh instead of heavy.Unlike many cream-based pasta dishes on the menu, Shrimp Scampi focuses on garlic, butter, herbs, and vegetables rather than cheese. The result is a meal that feels balanced without sacrificing the comforting Italian-American flavors Olive Garden is known for. It has been a regular menu favorite for years and continues to be one of the restaurant's most popular seafood entrées in 2026.People often choose Shrimp Scampi when they want seafood without the richness of Alfredo sauce. It works well for lunch or dinner, and it's a solid option for anyone looking for a pasta dish that tastes fresh while still being satisfying.
Quick Facts
At a glance
Price
$18.99 to $26.99 (varies by location)
Calories
About 510 per serving – lighter pick
Pasta
Angel hair with asparagus and tomatoes
Sauce
Garlic, butter, olive oil, and lemon
Ingredients
What is in it
The first thing you'll notice is that this dish keeps things simple. Instead of relying on a thick cream sauce, Olive Garden builds the flavor with garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine-style cooking flavors, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. The shrimp are sautéed until tender, then served over angel hair pasta that quickly absorbs the light, buttery sauce.The vegetables do more than add color. Tomatoes bring sweetness, asparagus adds a slight crunch, and garlic ties everything together with a savory aroma that comes through before the first bite. The combination feels closer to a homemade seafood pasta than many chain restaurant entrées, which helps explain why this dish has stayed on the menu for so long.
Sautéed shrimp
Angel hair pasta
Asparagus
Grape tomatoes
Garlic and butter
Olive oil and lemon
Italian seasonings
Calories & Nutrition
Know what you are eating
Shrimp Scampi sits in an interesting spot on the Olive Garden menu. It isn't the lowest-calorie entrée available, but it is noticeably lighter than creamy pasta dishes like Chicken Alfredo or Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. The seafood, vegetables, and lighter sauce help keep the calorie count relatively moderate while still offering a filling meal.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Note | One of the lighter pasta entrées; varies by preparation |
Price
What it costs
Seafood entrées typically sit near the higher end of Olive Garden's menu, and Shrimp Scampi is no exception. Even so, many guests find the price reasonable because the dish includes shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a generous serving of pasta. Prices vary by location, taxes, and local promotions. Prices are approximate and may have changed since this article was written.For the money, Shrimp Scampi offers good value if you enjoy seafood. It feels fresher and lighter than many chain restaurant pasta dishes, and the quality of the shrimp and vegetables usually justifies the slightly higher price compared with chicken-based entrées.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Shrimp Scampi (dinner) | $18.99 – $26.99 |
What Does It Taste Like?
Flavor profile
The first thing that stands out is the aroma. Before you even pick up your fork, you get the smell of warm garlic, melted butter, and a hint of lemon. Visually, it's one of Olive Garden's more colourful entrées. Bright red tomatoes and green asparagus break up the pale angel hair pasta, while the shrimp are lightly browned from the sauté. It looks fresh instead of overly rich.The flavor follows that same idea.
Garlic leads the way, but it doesn't overpower the seafood. The butter gives the sauce a silky texture, while lemon adds enough acidity to keep every bite from feeling greasy. The tomatoes release a little sweetness as you eat, and the asparagus contributes a mild earthy flavor with a pleasant crunch. The shrimp are usually tender with a slight snap, although they can become firmer if the dish sits too long before serving.Compared with Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi feels noticeably lighter and brighter. It also reminds me of the shrimp scampi served at Red Lobster, although Olive Garden leans more heavily on pasta and vegetables, while Red Lobster puts more emphasis on buttery seafood.
If you prefer garlic and fresh herbs over thick cream sauces, this entrée delivers exactly what it promises.
Dietary Information
Good to know
Vegetarian
No – contains shrimp
Gluten
Contains angel hair pasta
Customization Tips
Make it yours
Request extra shrimp for more protein.
Add grilled chicken if you want a larger entrée.
Ask for extra asparagus or tomatoes when available.
Request light butter for a less rich sauce.
Availability
2026 status
Yes, Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is still available on the regular menu in 2026 at most participating locations. It has been one of the restaurant's signature seafood entrées for years and continues to appear alongside favorites such as Chicken Alfredo, Tour of Italy, and Herb-Grilled Salmon. While temporary menu adjustments can happen, there have been no widespread reports of the dish being discontinued.Availability may still vary by restaurant because individual locations occasionally experience ingredient shortages or regional menu differences. The easiest way to confirm availability is by checking your local Olive Garden menu online or through the Olive Garden mobile app before visiting. If Shrimp Scampi isn't available, Herb-Grilled Salmon offers another lighter seafood option, while Chicken Margherita provides a similar fresh, herb-forward flavor profile.
Best Light Seafood Pastas
More fresh seafood favorites
Shrimp Alfredo
Sautéed shrimp in creamy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine at about $18.99 to $25.99 and roughly 1,470 calories. Plump, juicy shrimp in rich parmesan cream. Choose this when you want shrimp but crave creamy comfort instead of garlicky lightness.
Chicken Scampi
A lighter, garlicky favorite: chicken and peppers in white-wine scampi sauce at $19.99 to $23.99. The chicken counterpart to shrimp scampi – same bright scampi style with tender chicken. Great when you prefer poultry over seafood.
Shrimp Carbonara
Plump shrimp, bacon, and roasted red peppers in a creamy parmesan-garlic carbonara sauce. Richer and more indulgent than scampi, with smoky bacon depth. Pick this when you want shrimp in the creamiest possible sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers
How many calories are in Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?
About 510 calories. That makes it one of the lighter pasta entrées on the Olive Garden menu. The final calorie count may vary slightly if you customize the dish or add cheese, breadsticks, soup, or salad.
What is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi made of?
It includes sautéed shrimp, angel hair pasta, asparagus, grape tomatoes, garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon, and Italian seasonings. The sauce is light and buttery rather than creamy, giving the vegetables and shrimp a chance to stand out.
Is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi vegan?
No. The dish contains shrimp and butter, making it unsuitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Olive Garden also prepares food in shared kitchens, so cross-contact with animal products is possible.
Is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi gluten-free?
No. The entrée is prepared with traditional wheat-based angel hair pasta. Guests who need to avoid gluten should review Olive Garden's current gluten-sensitive menu before ordering.
How much does Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi cost?
Approximately $20.99 to $24.99, depending on location. Local pricing, taxes, and promotions can affect the final cost, so checking your nearest restaurant is the best way to see current prices.
Is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi still available in 2026?
Yes. It remains a permanent menu item at most Olive Garden locations in 2026. Availability can occasionally vary because of regional menu differences or temporary ingredient shortages.
Can I customize Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi?
Yes. Many locations allow simple modifications such as adding extra shrimp, requesting extra vegetables, leaving off Parmesan cheese, or asking for additional lemon. Available options may differ by restaurant.
Is Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi healthy?
It can be a balanced choice compared with many other pasta entrées. The dish contains lean shrimp, vegetables, and a lighter garlic butter sauce, but it is still relatively high in sodium, so it should be enjoyed as part of an overall balanced diet rather than viewed as a low-sodium meal.
Try Shrimp Scampi
Fresh, garlicky, and lighter than the cream-based pastas – a seafood standout. Check your local Olive Garden for today's price.
