Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp, a creamy garlic butter sauce, and your favorite pasta. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. The delicate sweetness of shrimp paired with the rich, buttery sauce creates a truly indulgent meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Skillet: 1 large skillet (12-inch)
- Pot: 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer: 1 pasta strainer
- Measuring spoons: For measuring garlic, salt, pepper, etc.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping garlic and parsley
- Tongs or Pasta Spoon: For tossing pasta and shrimp together
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz 225g Pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 4 tbsp Butter unsalted
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). Add the chicken broth and red pepper flakes (if using), then bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Shrimp and Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the lemon juice and return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve immediately while the dish is warm.
Notes
- Shrimp Size: You can use smaller or larger shrimp depending on your preference, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pasta Type: While linguine or spaghetti works best, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance. You can omit them for a milder flavor or increase them for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan cheese garnish.
- Make-Ahead: This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little extra butter or broth to restore moisture.