Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Meal for Any Occasion

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is one of those dishes that is as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a special occasion or just looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. The succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce make this dish an irresistible combination.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that brings all these amazing flavors together. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the shrimp. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine pasta and shrimp. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce. Add the lemon juice and a little more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve. Divide the garlic butter shrimp pasta between serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Shrimp: Be sure to use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
• Pasta: While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta types like linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Butter: The richness of this dish comes from the butter, so don’t skimp on it! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half butter and half olive oil.
• Garlic: You can never have too much garlic in a garlic butter shrimp pasta! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add extra cloves.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings

Storage

If you happen to have leftovers, this garlic butter shrimp pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce, and warm it gently over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Freezing:
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 1 month. However, the shrimp may lose some texture when frozen, so it’s recommended to freeze just the pasta and sauce, and then cook fresh shrimp when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Note: The nutritional values are based on using regular butter and pasta. You can reduce calories by opting for whole-wheat pasta or using less butter.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

1. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so keep an eye on them. They cook quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Lemon Zest: For a fresh, zesty kick, you can add some lemon zest along with the lemon juice. It enhances the flavor and adds a bright, citrusy note to the dish.
3. Add Veggies: For some extra nutrition, you can sauté some spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes along with the garlic. These veggies will blend perfectly with the shrimp and pasta.
4. Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, try adding roasted garlic or garlic powder along with the fresh minced garlic to elevate the flavor.

How to Serve

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic bread or baguette: Nothing complements garlic butter pasta like some crispy, buttery garlic bread.
• Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side to this dish.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
• Pasta Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Tongs or Pasta Spoon: To toss the pasta and shrimp together.
• Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress anyone. The garlic butter sauce is rich and full of flavor, and the shrimp adds a lovely depth of texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal. Quick, easy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?