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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

3.8 from 77 reviews

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe offers a flavorful blend of garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine

Shrimp and Sauce

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Toppings

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
  4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, lemon juice, and half of the chopped parsley. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the savory garlic butter sauce.
  5. Check Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with the remaining parsley and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute parsley with basil or cilantro for a different herbaceous flavor.
  • To make it gluten free, use gluten-free pasta.
  • Ensure not to overcook the shrimp as it will become rubbery.
  • For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream after cooking the garlic.

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta, easy shrimp recipe, garlic shrimp, creamy shrimp pasta, quick pasta dish