This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a speedy, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, making it the perfect meal when you’re short on time but craving something delicious!
Ingredients:
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice) 🍝
2 tbsp butter 🧈
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat) 🌶️
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved from boiling the pasta)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Cook for about 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the reserved pasta cooking water to the pan and stir to combine, creating a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
5. Serve:
Serve the pasta topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley.
Tips:
For extra flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the pasta before serving.
Make it creamy: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce.
Add veggies: You can toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
