Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, then tossed with tender pasta for a deliciously comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- Water for boiling
- 1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the Shrimp:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently with the pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and mix well.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.