Picture this: a bowl of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta sits steaming before you, its rich aroma swirling around, promising warmth and comfort after a long day. This dish embodies the cozy vibes we all crave for busy weeknights. It beautifully balances comfort and nutrition, all while being quick and easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with family over a hearty meal or simply treating yourself to an indulgent pasta experience, this recipe has you covered.
Serving Versatility
One of the best things about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. Feel free to serve it over rice for a gluten-free option or tuck it into a wrap for a delightful lunch. Not in the mood for carbs? Enjoy it solo and skip the pasta altogether. With so many ways to savor it, this dish is perfect for any occasion!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Return shrimp to the skillet along with drained pasta, lemon juice, and half of the parsley. Toss until coated in garlic butter.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can get this meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple, accessible items make this dish easy on your wallet.
- Big, cozy flavor: The garlic and butter blend beautifully for an irresistible taste.
- Nutritional value: Packed with protein from the shrimp and fresh herbs.
- Customizability: Feel free to add extra veggies or spice things up with more red pepper flakes!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
This delightful dish draws inspiration from classic Italian cooking, where seafood and pasta come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors. The method of sautéing garlic in butter is a fundamental technique that infuses the dish with depth while keeping it simple.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a comforting twist.
- Toss it with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Roll it up in a warm tortilla for a unique and satisfying wrap.
- Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a vibrant meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance the flavors of the shrimp and pasta.
- Control your heat: Keep the skillet at medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. We want it golden and fragrant, not dark and bitter.
- Chop evenly: Make sure your garlic pieces are uniform for even cooking and maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To save your leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the pasta in sealed containers for up to a month. When reheating, drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta and microwave it gently, stirring occasionally to keep it from getting dry.
Closing Paragraph
I hope you’ll give this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta a try! It’s a recipe that brings joy and warmth, perfect for serving up to loved ones or enjoying solo. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to customize it to your liking. If you make this dish, don’t forget to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made in the comments below!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Shrimp
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove from skillet.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Combining Ingredients
- Return shrimp to the skillet along with drained pasta, lemon juice, and half of the parsley. Toss until coated in garlic butter.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
🎀 Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me in my kitchen today! I love sharing these recipes that have been cherished across generations. Each dish has a story, and I’m delighted to have shared this one with you. Happy cooking, friends!
Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes. If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Classic Garlic Butter Shrim for another comforting favorite.