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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one adds its own special flavor to the dish. Here’s what you'll need: - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients come together to create a meal that is quick and full of flavor. The shrimp adds protein, while the garlic and butter give rich taste. The lemon brightens the dish, and the parsley adds a fresh touch. Each bite will make your taste buds dance! Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to put it all together. To start, you need to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is crucial for flavor. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to check the package instructions for timing. After cooking, do not forget to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Then, flip them and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Now, in the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Also, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Stir to combine and let the butter melt and bubble for about a minute. Return the drained pasta to the skillet along with the cooked shrimp. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated. This step is key to getting a delicious garlic butter sauce that clings to the pasta. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy creating your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! Using fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. It gives your dish a rich and vibrant taste. I always recommend using whole garlic cloves instead of pre-minced garlic. It’s simple to mince your own and the flavor is worth it. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control how spicy your dish gets. Start with a small amount if you’re unsure. You can always add more if you want it hotter. Just remember, you can’t take it out once it’s in! To cook shrimp perfectly, keep an eye on the color. When shrimp turns bright pink, it’s almost done. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Then, flip it and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. If it curls tightly, it’s overdone. You can also check for doneness by cutting one in half. The meat should be opaque and firm. If it looks clear or mushy, it needs more time. Enjoy the process! Cooking shrimp becomes easier with practice. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want a different taste, try chicken or scallops. Chicken thighs work really well. Just season them the same way as shrimp. Cook them until golden brown and cooked through. Scallops offer a sweet flavor and cook quickly. They are done in just a few minutes. If you prefer a meat-free meal, consider mushrooms or tofu. Sauté mushrooms until they are soft and golden. They add a nice, earthy flavor. Tofu is another great choice. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and pan-fry until crispy. Both options will soak up the garlic butter sauce well. To give your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta extra flavor, add more ingredients. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Toss them in the skillet after cooking the shrimp. They will soften and create a nice sauce. Spinach is also a fantastic addition. It wilts down quickly and adds nutrients. Don't forget about herbs and spices. You can use fresh basil or oregano for a twist. A pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the dish. It gives a subtle depth and warmth. Feel free to mix and match flavors. This dish is all about making it your own! For a full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta section. To keep your garlic butter shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it right after it cools down. The pasta stays good in the fridge for about three days. However, if you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. When frozen, it can last for up to two months. Just remember that the texture may change a bit after thawing. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you have a few good options. You can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it to keep moisture in. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to make sure it warms evenly. You can also use a skillet. Place the pasta in a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. This helps bring back some moisture and flavor. Stir it often until it’s hot. To restore creaminess, add a bit more butter or olive oil. This will help make the dish rich and tasty again. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can refresh the flavor, making it taste just like when you first made it. To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, follow these simple steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the linguine or spaghetti until it's al dente. Save half a cup of the pasta water before draining. 2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds. 3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are pink. Set the shrimp aside. 4. Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter, lemon zest, and juice. Mix well until everything melts together. 5. Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Return the pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce stick. Toss well to coat. 6. Garnish and Serve: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. - Thawing: Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them in the fridge overnight. - Cooking: Once thawed, follow the same cooking steps as fresh shrimp. The cook time may be slightly longer, so check for that lovely pink color. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta tastes great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with pasta. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balance. - Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies bring color and nutrition to your meal. - Wine: A glass of white wine complements the shrimp flavors perfectly. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. This article covered the ingredients and steps to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. You learned how to cook the pasta and shrimp, combine them, and create that tasty sauce. I also shared tips for perfecting the dish and offered variations to keep meals exciting. Remember, leftovers can be stored correctly, and there are simple ways to reheat them for the best taste. Enjoy making this easy and delicious dish that everyone will love!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Savor the flavors of this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that's quick and easy to make! With perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with zesty lemon, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it's ready in just 20 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, until pink, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and allow the butter to melt and bubble for a minute.

          Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the cooked shrimp. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, tossing everything together to fully coat the pasta and shrimp.

            Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4