Introduction
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delectable dish that brings together the fresh flavors of shrimp, the tanginess of lemon, and the richness of garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week, yet elegant enough to serve guests. The creamy and savory garlic lemon butter sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the shrimp adds a burst of flavor and texture. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, easy to prepare, and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Follow this guide for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cooked pasta to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate if using wine.
- If you want a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point and let it heat for another 2 minutes.
- Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs more moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic lemon butter sauce to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with the lemon zest and chopped parsley.
- Toss everything together gently for about 2 minutes until well combined. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta to a large serving dish.
- Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.
COOKING Note
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink, opaque, and slightly firm.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or extra lemon juice.
- Heavy cream is optional. Use it for a richer, creamier texture or skip it for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, swap the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
- A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- Save Pasta Water: Use the starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness and to help it cling to the pasta.
- Keep the Heat Moderate: Avoid cooking the garlic on high heat to prevent it from burning.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta until it’s slightly firm to the bite will prevent it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can be added to enhance the flavors.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 870mg
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated meal that brings together fresh ingredients in a harmonious and flavorful way. It’s a perfect balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and creamy butter, with succulent shrimp adding a delightful texture. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or serving it for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Remember, it’s all about fresh ingredients, and this dish shines best when you use quality shrimp, garlic, and lemons.
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cooked pasta to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate if using wine.
- If you want a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point and let it heat for another 2 minutes.
- Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs more moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic lemon butter sauce to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with the lemon zest and chopped parsley.
- Toss everything together gently for about 2 minutes until well combined. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta to a large serving dish.
- Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 870mg
- Protein: 25g