Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and elegant dish that delivers big on flavor. Plump and succulent shrimp are cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal that comes together in minutes. Simple yet incredibly delicious, it's a weeknight staple that's also impressive enough for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper while the pasta cooks. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Deglaze and create the sauce: Add the white wine (or broth) to the skillet and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the liquid to reduce slightly for about a minute.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water until a creamy sauce forms. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.
Tips:
- For spicier pasta, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Take your time with the shrimp, or they will become tough.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- A splash of pasta water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce.
