If you’re on the hunt for a quick, easy, yet mouthwatering meal, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. This dish is the perfect combination of juicy, tender shrimp tossed in a flavorful garlic-butter sauce, all served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, indulgent, and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Why This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Works
There’s something about the combination of garlic and butter that makes almost any dish irresistible. Add shrimp to the mix, and you’ve got a winning dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough to make in no time at all. Shrimp are fast to cook, and their sweetness perfectly complements the savory garlic-butter sauce. When you toss it all with al dente pasta, you create a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s sure to impress family or guests.
This recipe is also highly versatile—you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Want a little spice? Add some red pepper flakes. Prefer something creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sprinkle on a generous amount of grated Parmesan. No matter how you tweak it, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta will always deliver fantastic results for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g Spaghetti: You can use any long pasta you prefer, such as linguine or fettuccine. However, spaghetti works wonderfully as it holds onto the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
- 300g Large Shrimp: Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works just as well when thawed properly.
- Four Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic gives this dish its robust flavor. Adjust the amount depending on how much you love garlic.
- Two Tablespoons Butter: This is the base of the sauce. Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt level.
- One Tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps to cook the garlic without burning the butter and adds richness.
- Half Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat. You can adjust the amount to your spice tolerance or leave it out altogether.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season the dish to your liking.
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan (Optional): While not necessary, a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a creamy texture and salty depth to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Cook the Spaghetti:
Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions. Cook until the pasta is al dente, meaning it’s still firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the garlic-butter mixture in the pan. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are opaque throughout. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.Toss with Pasta:
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up the garlic-butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. For a richer flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always provide a better flavor and texture than frozen, but frozen shrimp can still be delicious if properly thawed.
- Cook Pasta Just Right: Make sure your pasta is al dente. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and won’t hold up well to the garlic butter sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly—usually just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Extra Flavor: You can experiment by adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for a bit of acidity. If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Health Benefits of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein and is rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium, which are important for heart health, brain function, and immune support. Garlic, meanwhile, is known for its health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Although the butter adds a bit of indulgence, you can always adjust the recipe to make it lighter by using olive oil or reducing the amount of butter.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is always a hit. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners when time is limited but impressive enough for entertaining. The combination of juicy shrimp and flavorful garlic-butter sauce feels indulgent but is so simple to prepare. Plus, you can dress it up with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this dish can easily be elevated with little effort. Swap out the spaghetti for fancier pasta like linguine or pappardelle, or add in other seafood like scallops or clams for a seafood feast.
Citations
- “Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe,” All Recipes, accessed October 19, 2024, https://www.allrecipes.com.
- “The Health Benefits of Shrimp,” Healthline, accessed October 19, 2024, https://www.healthline.com.
- “Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta,” Food Network, accessed October 19, 2024, https://www.foodnetwork.com.