Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe to Savor

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day—a delightful medley of succulent shrimp, creamy garlic butter sauce, and al dente pasta that dances on your taste buds. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table like loyal puppies waiting for treats. If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and elegance, this is it!

Picture this: It’s a Friday night, and you’ve had one of those weeks where even your coffee needed coffee. You decide to treat yourself to something special. Enter garlic butter shrimp pasta, which transports you straight to a cozy Italian bistro without the plane ticket. This dish is not only perfect for date nights but also makes an impressive appearance at dinner parties—or when you’re just feeling fancy while wearing sweatpants.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta; both hold onto sauces beautifully.

• Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp—you can buy them shelled and deveined for convenience.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they add an aromatic punch that makes your taste buds sing.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and enhance the creamy texture.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances out the richness with a zesty kick.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to substitute with basil if you prefer.

For the Sauce:

• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil helps sauté the garlic without burning it.

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

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do the trick.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once bubbling but not browned (we’re not making toast here), add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Toss in those beautiful shrimps! Cook until they’re pink and opaque—this usually takes about three minutes per side. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while they cook.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it (save some pasta water just in case). Add it directly into the skillet with shrimp. Pour in remaining melted butter and lemon juice—toss everything together like you’re trying to impress someone.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness. If it looks too dry, add some reserved pasta water until you reach desired creaminess.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Voilà! Your garlic butter shrimp pasta masterpiece is ready to devour!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best garlic butter shrimp pasta, start by cooking the pasta first. While it boils, sauté the shrimp in garlic and butter. Combine everything once the pasta is ready for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to get creative! Swap out shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with spices such as red pepper flakes for heat or lemon zest for brightness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out.

Sometimes I whip up garlic butter shrimp pasta when I’m feeling nostalgic about family dinners. My cousin once declared it “the best food on Earth,” which boosted my confidence more than a Michelin star ever could!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

To prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need fresh shrimp, spaghetti or linguine, garlic, unsalted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. For an enhanced flavor, consider using white wine and grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients will elevate your dish significantly. Make sure to choose large shrimp for a satisfying bite.

How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes. This includes the time needed for boiling the pasta and sautéing the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. The shrimp cooks quickly—usually within 3 to 5 minutes—so it’s essential to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?

While Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. Cook the pasta and store it separately from the shrimp and sauce. When ready to serve, quickly reheat everything together for a delightful meal. However, be cautious as reheating may affect the texture of the shrimp.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty garlic bread. You might also consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience. The balance of flavors will enhance your meal and impress your guests.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

In summary, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick yet elegant dish that combines succulent shrimp with rich butter and garlic flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Remember to use fresh ingredients for optimal taste, and feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences. Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!

Print

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and elegant dish that brings together succulent shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this delicious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its enticing aroma and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while delivering the comfort of home-cooked meals.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp in the skillet. Pour in lemon juice and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
5. Finish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or white wine into the sauce. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variations.