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Here’s what you need to make garlic butter shrimp pasta. Gather these items before you start. - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. The shrimp should be large and tender. The garlic adds a rich flavor, while the lemon brings brightness. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can skip the cheese if you want a lighter dish. For the best results, prepare everything before you cook. This way, you will have a smooth cooking experience. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to combine these ingredients into a delicious meal! First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. This step is key because it helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Before you drain the pasta, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy water. This will help thicken your sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles. Add 1 lb of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Next, add 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes while stirring often. Be careful not to let it brown. If garlic browns, it can taste bitter. This step is critical for getting the best flavor. To make the sauce just right, adjust the pasta water you save. You want it creamy but not too thick. Start with a half cup of the reserved pasta water. If it seems dry, add more until you reach the creaminess you like. Using fresh ingredients is key for flavor. Fresh garlic and lemon zest make a big difference. They add bright notes that elevate the dish. Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes. You want them pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. For the pasta, cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Typically, this takes 8-10 minutes. Remember to taste the pasta as it cooks. When serving, top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich flavor and makes it look nice. Fresh parsley is a great garnish too. Sprinkle it on top for a pop of color. This makes your plate look inviting and fresh. Enjoy the beauty of your dish as much as the taste! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Spinach adds a nice color and nutrition. Just toss in a handful when you add the pasta to the sauce. Cherry tomatoes also work well. They give a burst of sweetness. You can also use broccoli or peas. They add crunch and extra vitamins. Want more heat? Increase the red pepper flakes. Just be careful not to overdo it. You can also try other spices to boost flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. Experiment to find what you like best. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands taste great and cook well. For a vegan twist, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or tofu. You can replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal. You can find the full recipe to explore more ideas. To store your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great too! Divide the pasta and shrimp into portions. Use freezer bags or containers that are safe for freezing. Press out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Enjoy your dish just like the first time! It takes about 25 minutes to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. To thaw, place shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking. Fresh shrimp taste great, but frozen shrimp work well too. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined. You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with several side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for extra flavor. - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These sides add fresh touches and balance the meal. For the full recipe, check out the section above. This garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe is simple and delicious. You have tasty ingredients that combine well. Follow the steps closely for perfect pasta and shrimp. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to make variations with veggies or spice adjustments. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy this meal with family or friends. Remember, cooking is about having fun and sharing good food!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that’s sure to impress! This easy recipe combines juicy shrimp, garlic, and fresh lemon to create a mouthwatering dish in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is creamy, flavorful, and topped with parsley and Parmesan. Click to explore the recipe and elevate your culinary skills with this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to help thicken your sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set aside.

    Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbling. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the shrimp, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but ensure it doesn’t brown, as that could impart a bitter flavor.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and start with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water gradually until the desired creaminess is achieved.

          Finish and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, carefully tossing all the components so that they are evenly distributed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and taste for seasoning. Adjust the flavor with additional salt and pepper as needed.

            Plate the Dish: Serve the pasta hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, to enhance the flavor and presentation.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4