Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and elegant dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or date nights at home!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the pasta and shrimp:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in the lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine pasta and shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using). Toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Pasta options: Use any pasta shape, such as spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the pasta for a richer flavor.
- Protein swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops for variation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.