Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients: 1 pound Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can choose to leave the tails on or off – it’s a matter of personal preference and presentation. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, just ensure frozen shrimp is fully thawed before cooking. Consider opting for shrimp that is sustainably sourced if possible.; 1 pound Pasta: Linguine is the classic choice for shrimp pasta dishes, thanks to its slightly flattened shape that beautifully catches the sauce. However, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne and farfalle work wonderfully too. Choose your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, use your preferred gluten-free pasta.; 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter: Butter is the heart of this rich sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and ensures a pure, buttery flavor. High-quality butter will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.; 8-10 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s what infuses the butter with that incredible aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your garlic preference, but 8-10 cloves provides a robust garlic flavor that is balanced by the butter and shrimp.; 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (Optional): A splash of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay adds a layer of complexity and acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or simply omit it altogether.; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, adds a vibrant herbaceous note and a pop of freshness to the dish. It also provides a lovely visual garnish. Italian flat-leaf parsley is recommended for its robust flavor.; 1 Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce with its acidity and citrusy notes. You’ll need the juice of about half a lemon, and optionally, some lemon zest for an extra layer of lemon flavor.; 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that complements the garlic and butter beautifully. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.; Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.; Olive Oil (Optional): A tablespoon or two of olive oil can be used in addition to butter for cooking the shrimp, or to prevent the butter from burning if you are using high heat.

Ingredients

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To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing each element to shine. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

1 pound Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can choose to leave the tails on or off – it’s a matter of personal preference and presentation. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, just ensure frozen shrimp is fully thawed before cooking. Consider opting for shrimp that is sustainably sourced if possible.
1 pound Pasta: Linguine is the classic choice for shrimp pasta dishes, thanks to its slightly flattened shape that beautifully catches the sauce. However, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne and farfalle work wonderfully too. Choose your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, use your preferred gluten-free pasta.
1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter: Butter is the heart of this rich sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and ensures a pure, buttery flavor. High-quality butter will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
8–10 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s what infuses the butter with that incredible aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your garlic preference, but 8-10 cloves provides a robust garlic flavor that is balanced by the butter and shrimp.
1/2 cup Dry White Wine (Optional): A splash of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay adds a layer of complexity and acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or simply omit it altogether.
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, adds a vibrant herbaceous note and a pop of freshness to the dish. It also provides a lovely visual garnish. Italian flat-leaf parsley is recommended for its robust flavor.
1 Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce with its acidity and citrusy notes. You’ll need the juice of about half a lemon, and optionally, some lemon zest for an extra layer of lemon flavor.
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that complements the garlic and butter beautifully. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
Olive Oil (Optional): A tablespoon or two of olive oil can be used in addition to butter for cooking the shrimp, or to prevent the butter from burning if you are using high heat.

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Instructions

Creating this delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is surprisingly straightforward and quick. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve pasta perfection:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the pasta water is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian, and refers to pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Pasta water is starchy and will help emulsify the sauce and create a silky texture. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp and Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your shrimp and garlic. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it is completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Mince the garlic finely. Finely minced garlic will release its flavor quickly and evenly into the butter. Chop the fresh parsley. Zest and juice the lemon, if using.
Sauté the Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Sautéing the garlic in butter first infuses the butter with its delicious aroma and flavor, creating the base of the sauce.
Add Shrimp and Cook: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, if possible. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so be sure to cook them just until they are done. If using red pepper flakes, add them to the pan along with the shrimp.
Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet after the shrimp are cooked. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to deglaze and loosen any browned bits (fond) that have accumulated on the bottom. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Let the wine simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly and the flavors to meld.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help bind the sauce and create a creamy, emulsified texture.
Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic. Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately while it’s hot and flavorful. Garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired), and grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve in bowls and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 700
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 300mg