Heavenly Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: succulent shrimp nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that wafts heavenly aromas through your kitchen and straight into your heart. This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it creates an experience that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more.

Now, let’s be real for a moment. If you’re anything like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with cooking. One minute you’re channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay, and the next, you’re contemplating ordering takeout because the water just won’t boil. But fear not! This garlic butter shrimp pasta will make even the most kitchen-averse among us feel like culinary rock stars.

I remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp pasta for my friends; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they caught a whiff of that buttery goodness. It quickly became our go-to dish for cozy gatherings!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose long pasta for elegance; it holds onto the sauce beautifully.

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, raw shrimp; they cook quickly and pack in flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness and cuts through richness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances creaminess; feel free to sprinkle extra on top!

• Parsley: Fresh parsley gives color and freshness; don’t skimp!

• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a hint of spice, but adjust to your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding a generous sprinkle of salt. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—being careful not to burn it. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.

Add Lemon Juice & Seasonings: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet while adding red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.

Toss in Pasta & Parmesan: Drain the pasta but save some cooking water. Combine pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet while adding Parmesan cheese for creaminess. Use reserved cooking water if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Garnish & Serve**: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley for color. Plate generously, topping each serving with extra Parmesan if desired.

Now you have created an unforgettable dish that combines simplicity with elegance! Enjoy every flavorful bite of your garlic butter shrimp pasta masterpiece!

You Must Know

• Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a rich, creamy texture
• The aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in the pan is simply irresistible, making it perfect for any occasion
• This recipe is quick, ensuring you won’t miss out on flavor or time

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the garlic in butter until fragrant, then add shrimp until pink. Cook pasta separately; combine them both with reserved pasta water for creaminess.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp with chicken or veggies for a unique twist. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhances the dish’s freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve texture and flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use medium-high heat when cooking shrimp for that perfect sear without overcooking them
• Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for sauce consistency
• Freshly grated cheese adds depth and richness to your final dish, elevating it substantially

Cooking garlic butter shrimp pasta always brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air as we enjoyed this flavorful dish together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp pasta?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp pasta?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish.

How do I make garlic butter shrimp pasta healthier?

You can substitute whole wheat pasta or add more vegetables for extra nutrients.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of garlic butter shrimp pasta, a dish that effortlessly transforms any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Succulent shrimp are tossed with al dente spaghetti in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, enhanced by bright lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for both casual nights and special gatherings.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Boil water in a large pot with salt. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes).
3. Combine: Pour in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add drained pasta to the skillet with reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy.
4. Serve: Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, plate generously, and top with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 335g)
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg