Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (zest and juice, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- If using, add the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
- 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 splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Garnish with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and additional parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!