Garlic butter shrimp pasta is like a warm hug on your taste buds, with plump shrimp swimming in a buttery garlic sauce, twirling around perfectly al dente pasta. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a meal that will whisk you away to the sunny coasts of Italy without needing your passport.
Every time I make garlic butter shrimp pasta, it transports me back to that unforgettable summer dinner with friends on my balcony. We laughed, we slurped noodles, and we swore we could hear the Mediterranean calling us. Perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or simply indulging after a long day, this dish guarantees culinary delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic butter shrimp pasta is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavors tantalize the taste buds while offering an elegant presentation
- The colorful ingredients create a visual feast that impresses guests instantly
- Flexibility in ingredient swaps makes it suitable for various diets or preferences
I remember the first time I served this dish at a small gathering; my friends’ eyes lit up with every bite, and they kept asking for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite pasta type; both work wonderfully with the sauce.
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Raw Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease.
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Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for an intense flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic’s aroma.
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Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted so you can control the seasoning in your dish.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle adds depth; choose extra virgin for a robust flavor.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed enhances brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
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Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
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Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like their dishes with a kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and half of the butter. Once melted, add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Garlic and Spice It Up: Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes when shrimp are almost done cooking. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—to avoid burning.
Create the Sauce: Pour lemon juice into the skillet alongside remaining butter. Stir well to combine with all those delightful shrimp drippings while ensuring everything is well coated.
Toss It All Together: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with shrimp. Use tongs to toss everything together gently until combined evenly, allowing each strand of pasta to soak up that buttery goodness.
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped parsley over your masterpiece before serving. Taste for seasoning one last time—adjust salt or pepper as needed—and get ready to dig in!
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Enjoy it solo or share it with loved ones—just be prepared for everyone wanting seconds!
You Must Know
- This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the savory richness of garlic butter with tender shrimp and al dente pasta
- The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant
- Serve it up for date night or any casual gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the shrimp in garlic butter before cooking the pasta. This ensures maximum flavor infusion and lets you keep an eye on both elements simultaneously for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken, add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or toss in a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor. Make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked shrimp, look for a bright pink color; overcooking makes them rubbery
- Use fresh garlic for a robust flavor—it’s worth it!
- Remember not to crowd the pan when sautéing; this ensures even cooking and browning
I remember making this dish for my parents’ anniversary. They loved it so much that they asked for seconds—something I never thought would happen with such a simple recipe!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp pasta?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Linguine and spaghetti are excellent choices; their shapes hold sauce beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic butter to elevate the heat level delightfully.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Plump shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter, tossed with al dente pasta, create a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only simple but also allows for customization, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and half of the butter. Once melted, add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter, mixing well with the shrimp.
- Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp mixture; use tongs to combine gently.
- Finish with chopped parsley, taste for seasoning, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
