Delicious Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 30 Minutes
Craving a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up at home in just 30 minutes? Say hello to Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! This dish combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic-butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a quick yet flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has it all: simplicity, flavor, and speed. The shrimp are cooked in a garlic-butter sauce that’s incredibly rich and indulgent, balanced by a hint of lemon that brightens the dish and brings all the flavors together. This pasta is light enough for a quick dinner but satisfying enough to be a complete meal. Plus, it’s easily adaptable—add some red pepper flakes for a kick, or stir in spinach for a touch of green.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a handful of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. This water is rich in starch and can help thicken the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Shrimp and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together until the shrimp are heated through. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well-coated. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. Just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
- Adjust to Taste: Like it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a zestier dish? Add more lemon juice or zest.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, comforting dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking—dinner will be ready in no time!
Enjoy your cooking!