Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe in 20 Minutes

There’s something undeniably magical about garlic butter shrimp pasta. Just imagine succulent shrimp glistening in a luscious garlic butter sauce, clinging to perfectly al dente pasta, and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to indulge. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary wizard, even if your cooking skills are more “microwave maestro” than “chef extraordinaire.”

This garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture this: it’s date night, and you want to impress someone special without breaking a sweat. This delightful dish is simple enough for a Tuesday night but fancy enough for a romantic dinner. Trust me, when the first bite hits their taste buds, you’ll be the hero of the evening.

I remember one Sunday afternoon when I decided to whip up this garlic butter shrimp pasta for my family. My brother walked in, took one whiff, and declared it was the best thing he had ever smelled—high praise from someone who usually prefers pizza over anything homemade.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.

• Pasta: I prefer linguine or spaghetti; they hold the sauce beautifully.

• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; the more, the merrier!

• Butter: A generous amount adds richness; unsalted is best so you can control seasoning.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended if you enjoy a little heat in your pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese adds creaminess and depth; don’t skip it!

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

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while saving some pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter until bubbly. Add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until they turn pink and opaque—around 2-3 minutes per side.

Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) once shrimp are cooked through. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the remaining butter along with cooked pasta into the skillet with shrimp. Mix well until everything is evenly coated with that buttery goodness.

Add Finishing Touches: If necessary, add reserved pasta water for desired creaminess. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Enjoy this delightful dish hot off the stove while enjoying its aromatic allure! The combination of flavors will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Now that you’ve mastered garlic butter shrimp pasta, feel free to play around with variations! You could toss in some spinach for extra greens or swap out shrimp for chicken if you’re feeling adventurous.

This recipe isn’t just food; it’s an opportunity to create memories around your dining table that will last long after dessert has been served!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions, then sauté the garlic in butter while the pasta cooks. Combine everything just before serving for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. A sprinkle of parmesan never hurts either.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.

Sharing this dish with friends brought back memories of spontaneous dinner parties where laughter filled the air as we devoured every last bite together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp pasta?

Yes, but fresh shrimp will enhance flavor and texture significantly.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti or linguine are excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked properly?

Shrimp should be pink and opaque, cooking quickly within 3-4 minutes over medium heat.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a delectable dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly enveloped in al dente pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. Sauté the shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine everything: Add remaining butter and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water for creaminess.
5. Finish: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider tossing in spinach or cherry tomatoes. Swap shrimp for chicken or your favorite protein for variation.