Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest to the skillet and combine with the garlic mixture.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together to combine the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and shrimp. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Add baby spinach or cherry tomatoes to the skillet for extra color and flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
