Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 30 Minutes

The aroma of garlic butter shrimp pasta wafts through the air, enticing your senses with promises of buttery richness and succulent shrimp. You can already imagine twirling that al dente pasta around your fork, savoring each bite as it bursts with flavor.

Picture this: a cozy evening at home, friends gathered around a table, laughter filling the room as you serve up this delightful dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius, and trust me, your guests will think you are one too!

I still remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp pasta for my family. Their delighted reactions were priceless—it’s the dish that turned me into the “family chef.”

Essential Ingredients

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

• Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp; they add a juicy pop and are perfect for sautéing.

• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works well; choose your favorite for a personal touch.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor; don’t be shy—use plenty!

• Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the richness without overwhelming the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty finish; opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a lovely color contrast.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice balances the richness and adds zing.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended if you enjoy a little heat in your pasta.

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

Let’s Make it Together

**Prep Your Ingredients**: Gather all your ingredients and ensure everything is within reach. Chop garlic finely and organize shrimp by size; this will speed up cooking.

**Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

**Sauté Shrimp**: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

**Add Garlic**: Stir in garlic after removing shrimp from skillet. Sauté until fragrant—just about 30 seconds—but be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic is an unforgiving monster.

**Combine Everything**: Return cooked shrimp to skillet, then add drained pasta along with remaining butter. Toss everything together while adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy.

**Finish It Off**: Squeeze lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving. Enjoy your masterpiece—you’ve earned it!

Now you’re ready to dig into this flavorful garlic butter shrimp pasta! Bon appétit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic in butter before adding the shrimp, then cook the pasta while that magic happens. This order ensures everything finishes at the same time, creating a fresh and flavorful dish in just minutes.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping shrimp for chicken or adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes to enhance flavors. Experiment with lemon zest or chili flakes for an extra kick that can transform your dish into something uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist and delicious.

Cooking this dish reminds me of a dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, insisting I should open my own restaurant! Their laughter and compliments made all those minutes spent cooking worth every second.

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for garlic butter shrimp pasta?

Linguine or spaghetti are great choices, as they hold the sauce well.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to enrich the sauce’s texture.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a deliciously simple dish that combines the rich flavors of sautéed shrimp, garlic, and butter with perfectly cooked pasta. This meal is perfect for cozy nights at home or impressing guests with minimal effort. In just a few easy steps, you can create a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, and watch your loved ones savor every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: mince garlic and organize shrimp by size.
2. Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Sauté shrimp: In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
4. Cook garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
5. Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Toss until creamy.
6. Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley before enjoying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding spinach or cherry tomatoes. Use heavy cream for a richer sauce if desired.