🛒 Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 🍝 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 🧂 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🌿 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 🌿 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
- 🧀 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍳 Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Add lemon juice to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Assemble the Dish
- Make the Sauce:
- (Optional) Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a creamy version. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🧊 Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp and garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently before serving.
- 🥖 Pair with Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
- 🌶️ Add Spice: Use more red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
- 🥦 Include Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a light Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for an elegant dinner experience.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s indulgent yet simple, making it a go-to dish for weeknights or special occasions.
