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Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter shrimp pasta blends Mediterranean coastal flavors with creamy textures. Succulent shrimp and al dente noodles create a quick, elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 300 grams (10.5 ounces) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) linguine or spaghetti

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a generously salted large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Set aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta completely.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden cooking surface. Introduce seasoned shrimp and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and are thoroughly cooked.
  3. Transfer perfectly cooked shrimp onto a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and juiciness.
  4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and olive oil. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds. Optional: Sprinkle chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
  5. Carefully reintroduce seared shrimp into the fragrant garlic mixture. Gently fold in the prepared pasta, reserved cooking liquid, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped parsley.
  6. Thoroughly toss all ingredients until each pasta strand is luxuriously coated with the garlic butter sauce. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  7. Plate immediately and garnish with bright, zesty lemon wedges for a refreshing citrus accent. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • The starchy reserved pasta water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and shrimp.
  • Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile dish that suits different dietary preferences and protein needs.
  • Watch shrimp closely while cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery – they’re done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
  • Toast chili flakes in the butter for a few seconds before adding garlic to release their deeper, more complex heat and enhance overall dish intensity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 484 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg