Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta has become a staple in our home, and honestly, it’s a recipe I find myself making at least once every couple of weeks. There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and rich butter all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The first time I made this, I was aiming for a quick weeknight dinner that felt a little bit special without requiring hours in the kitchen. What I got was so much more than just a quick meal. The aroma alone as the garlic and butter sizzle in the pan is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Let’s just say empty plates and happy sighs were the sounds of the evening. Even my kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devoured it. It’s become our go-to for busy evenings, impromptu gatherings, and even just when we crave a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s simple enough for a beginner cook, yet feels elegant enough to serve to guests. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further – this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is it.

Ingredients

• Linguine Pasta: 1 pound. Long, flat pasta, perfect for clinging to the delicious sauce. You can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work well. Medium to large size shrimp are ideal for this dish.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted. Butter is the base of the rich, flavorful sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: 8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic garlic butter flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution.
• Dry White Wine: ½ cup (optional, but recommended). Adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce. A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully. You can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer to omit the wine.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons. Brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the butter. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for its vibrant taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (or more to taste). Adds a subtle heat and a little kick to the dish. Adjust to your preference for spice.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds freshness and a pop of color. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is recommended for its stronger flavor.
• Salt: To taste. Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. Adds a touch of spice and complements the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper has a more robust flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp initially. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for its flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: For grating, optional for serving. Adds a salty, savory, and nutty finish. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce later on. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to eventually accommodate the pasta and shrimp. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will taste bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. The aroma of sautéing garlic is a wonderful indicator that it’s ready.
3. Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them. They should curl up nicely when cooked. Ensure they are cooked through and no longer translucent.
4. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, adds depth of flavor to the sauce. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind the wine’s aromatic essence. If not using wine, you can skip this step and proceed directly to adding the butter.
5. Melt the Butter and Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely, stirring it into the garlic and wine (or just garlic if not using wine). Once the butter is melted, add the red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine. The butter will emulsify with the wine and lemon juice, creating a luscious sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet with the garlic butter shrimp sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water helps to create a creamy and glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. Toss continuously to ensure every strand is coated.
7. Add Parsley and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Give it one final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serving immediately ensures the pasta is at its best texture and the shrimp is tender. Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty, savory finish.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximately, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 650-750 kcal per serving. Calories provide the energy your body needs to function. This is an estimated range and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients.
• Protein: 35-40 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it helps you feel full and satisfied. Shrimp is a good source of lean protein.
• Fat: 35-45 grams per serving. Fat is necessary for energy, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. This recipe is relatively high in fat due to the butter, but it contributes to the rich flavor.
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. Pasta is the main source of carbohydrates in this dish.
• Sodium: 600-800 mg per serving. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. This amount can vary depending on added salt and the sodium content of other ingredients. It’s important to be mindful of sodium intake, especially for those watching their sodium levels.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes. This includes time for peeling and deveining shrimp, mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and gathering all ingredients. Efficient prep work makes the cooking process smoother and faster.
• Cook time: 20 minutes. This includes the time to cook the pasta, sauté the garlic and shrimp, and create the sauce. The cooking process is quick, making this a great weeknight meal option.
• Total time: Approximately 35 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta on the table in about half an hour. This quick total time makes it a perfect choice for busy individuals and families.

How to Serve

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:

• Classic Serving: Serve immediately in bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of both pasta and shrimp. Garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley for visual appeal and added flavor.
• Side Salad: Pair with a light and refreshing side salad. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a mixed green salad with balsamic dressing would complement the richness of the pasta beautifully. The salad provides a contrast in texture and acidity.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce. The garlic bread adds another layer of garlicky goodness and is perfect for enjoying every last bit of sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a balanced meal. Steamed vegetables offer a healthy and colorful addition, providing extra nutrients and fiber.
• Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The extra lemon brightens the dish even further and allows individuals to customize the flavor to their preference.
• White Wine Pairing: If serving to guests, consider pairing with the same dry white wine you used in the recipe, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine will complement the flavors of the dish and enhance the dining experience.
• Appetizer: Serve a light appetizer before the pasta, such as a caprese salad, bruschetta, or a simple olive and cheese platter. This can create a more complete and enjoyable meal, especially for a dinner party.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and loses its flavor. Cook just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size. Watch them closely and remove from the heat as soon as they are done.
2. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is crucial for the best flavor in this dish. Garlic powder or pre-minced garlic just doesn’t compare. Freshly minced garlic has a pungent aroma and robust flavor that is essential to the garlic butter sauce.
3. Quality Butter Matters: Since butter is a key ingredient in the sauce, use good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. European-style butter, with its higher fat content, can add extra richness.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve pasta water before draining! This starchy water is essential for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. The starch helps bind the sauce ingredients together.
5. Adjust Spice Level: Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Adjust the amount to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less spice, reduce or omit them entirely.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the shrimp, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the shrimp browns nicely and cooks evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.
7. Fresh Herbs are Best: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant freshness to the dish. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor and better texture. Other fresh herbs like basil or chives can also be added for variations.
8. Taste and Season: Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice at the end. Seasoning is crucial to bringing out all the flavors in the dish. A final squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels before sautéing to ensure they brown properly and don’t release excess water into the pan.

Q2: I don’t have white wine. Can I still make this recipe?
A: Absolutely! White wine adds depth of flavor, but you can easily substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can simply omit the wine and slightly increase the lemon juice for a bit of acidity.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is best served immediately. Pasta tends to absorb sauce as it sits, and shrimp can become rubbery if reheated. If you need to prep ahead, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Then, combine them just before serving. However, for optimal quality, it’s best made fresh.

Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this pasta?
A: You can easily add vegetables to this dish! Asparagus, broccoli florets, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini slices would all be delicious additions. Add them to the pan along with the shrimp or during the last few minutes of cooking so they are tender-crisp.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne or farfalle would work well. Choose a pasta shape that you enjoy and that will hold the sauce nicely.

Q6: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Garlic burns easily. Keep the heat at medium and sauté the garlic for only 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir frequently and watch it closely. If you smell a strong, pungent aroma, it’s likely ready. If it starts to turn brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately.

Q7: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a good quality olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. For a vegan version, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts. Ensure to use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative for garnish if desired.

Q8: How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, and the shrimp might be slightly less tender upon reheating. It’s best consumed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

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