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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Start with the pasta, either spaghetti or linguine. Choose large shrimp for a hearty bite. Use unsalted butter to control the salt in your dish. For flavor, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest add depth and brightness. Add fresh lemon juice and parsley to enhance the dish further. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich touch. This balance of ingredients creates a quick and flavorful meal that you'll love. For the full recipe, check the complete guideline above. - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. - Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente. - Reserve pasta water before draining. Cooking pasta is simple. Start by boiling water in a big pot. Make sure to add a good amount of salt; this adds flavor to the pasta. For spaghetti or linguine, it usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Once the pasta is cooked just right, save about one cup of that water. This water helps bind the sauce later. After reserving, drain the pasta and set it aside. - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. - Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. - Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. For the shrimp, we need a hot skillet. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it releases a rich flavor. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Keep an eye on the garlic; we want it fragrant but not burnt. This should take about 30 seconds. The smell will fill your kitchen and get your taste buds ready! - Add shrimp to the skillet and season. - Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque. - Toss cooked pasta with shrimp and butter mixture. Now, we bring in the shrimp. Gently place them in the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp are ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in the saved pasta water and the rest of the butter. Toss everything together until well mixed. This will create a light, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the right pasta texture, cook it until it's al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. It should have a slight bite when you chew it. Follow the package instructions closely for timing. Always taste a piece just before draining. Adjusting spice levels is easy with red pepper flakes. If you want mild heat, use less. If you love spice, add more flakes. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. For an elegant look, serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. A wedge of lemon on the side adds color and flavor. This makes your dish pop and impresses your guests. Pair your pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the shrimp well. It balances the rich butter and garlic flavors. Prep work can save you time when cooking. Chop the garlic and parsley before starting. You can even clean and devein the shrimp the night before. This makes cooking quicker and easier. One-pan cooking is a great method for less cleanup. You can cook the shrimp and pasta in the same skillet. This way, you save time and reduce the number of dishes. Just add the drained pasta to the shrimp skillet and combine. For the full recipe, check out my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the shrimp. Try using vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms instead. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds or chop the mushrooms into small pieces. Both options cook quickly and absorb flavor well. For cooking liquids, consider using vegetable broth instead of butter. This adds depth without the shrimp. You can also use olive oil to sauté the veggies. It gives a light, fresh taste that complements the dish. You don’t have to stick to just spaghetti or linguine. Any pasta shape works well. Try penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. If you want a lighter dish, swap butter for olive oil. It changes the flavor but keeps it tasty. You can use the same amount of olive oil as butter. This small change makes the meal healthier without losing its charm. For a richer sauce, add white wine while cooking. Just pour in a splash after you sauté the garlic. It adds a nice depth and pairs well with shrimp or veggies. Think about adding extra herbs too. Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Chop them finely and toss them in just before serving. This small touch brings a burst of flavor and freshness to each bite. For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This way, the flavors stay locked in. I suggest using glass containers. They help you see what's inside and do not stain. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If the pasta seems dry, stir well to blend flavors. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dish tasty and creamy. Can you freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? Yes, but the shrimp may change texture. To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to keep it delicious. This dish is quick to make! The total prep and cook time is about 20 minutes. You will spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and cooking the pasta. The shrimp takes only about 5 to 6 minutes to sauté. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. To thaw, put the shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, cook them as you would fresh shrimp. They will taste great in the pasta! There are many tasty sides you can pair with this dish! Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - A light soup, such as tomato basil These sides will complement the pasta well and make your meal even better! In this blog post, we explored how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta from start to finish. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. We also shared variations and storage methods to keep your meals fresh. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With this recipe, you can impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen! This quick recipe features perfectly sautéed shrimp paired with al dente pasta, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. With fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of parsley, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Ready in just 20 minutes, click through for the full recipe and impress your dinner guests tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Add the Shrimp: Gently add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the lemon zest. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.

        Combine with Pasta: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss the shrimp and pasta together until well combined, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, creamy sauce.

          Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the pasta immediately, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish each serving with an additional sprinkle of parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil.