Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce and al dente pasta. This flavorful meal is a perfect balance of savory, buttery goodness and delicate shrimp, all tossed together for a satisfying dinner. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Salt for boiling water
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss the Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the shrimp with a bit of white wine or chicken broth before adding the garlic and butter.
- Feel free to swap the shrimp for other seafood like scallops or even chicken if preferred.
- This dish can be served with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course