Introduction
Transform humble shrimp and pasta into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes! This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is your new weeknight go-to, perfect for busy cooks who crave delicious, satisfying food without the fuss. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to effortless elegance.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and incredible flavor. The rich garlic butter sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet notes. It’s incredibly adaptable, uses pantry staples, and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🍝 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3️⃣ Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4️⃣ Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Toss to combine. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5️⃣ Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Handy Tips
- For even faster cooking, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be opaque and pink when done.
- If you like a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for this recipe. Low heat will take too long to cook the shrimp and garlic, while high heat could burn the garlic and toughen the shrimp. Keep a close eye on the skillet and adjust accordingly.
Crunch Factor
This recipe delivers a delightful combination of tender pasta, juicy shrimp, and a slightly crisp garlic butter sauce. The parsley adds a nice fresh counterpoint to the richness of the butter and shrimp.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep the garlic and parsley ahead of time to save even more time during weeknights.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for an even quicker meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t ideal for gifting due to its perishable nature.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
🌟 Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano and thyme to the skillet with the shrimp.
🌟 Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce before serving.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Pasta: If your pasta is too dry, add a little more pasta water to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Overcooked Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Burnt Garlic: If the garlic burns, start again with fresh garlic and reduce the heat.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What kind of pasta works best? Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or any long pasta will work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and shrimp separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley can be substituted, but use about 1/4 the amount.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for those busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast. Try it tonight and share your masterpiece with us on Ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy!
30-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious shrimp pasta dish sautu00e9ed in garlic butter, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautu00e9ing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine, then let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
- Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.