Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights
- Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly
- The Secret to a Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
- Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Meal
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
This easy garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe is a quick, flavorful dinner option that’s ready in just 25 minutes. With a creamy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s a restaurant-quality meal made at home. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s simple, delicious, and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
At Clara Cooks, we believe that weeknight meals should be both easy and delicious, and this garlic butter shrimp pasta delivers on both fronts. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines the richness of butter with the savory taste of garlic, making it a comforting yet elegant dish. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy shrimp pasta without spending hours in the kitchen!
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
If you’re looking for a quick dinner recipe, this garlic butter shrimp pasta is the answer. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings. The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward, so even novice cooks can nail this recipe with ease.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but the results are worth it. Make sure to use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking by sautéing them just until they turn pink and opaque—usually 2-3 minutes per side. This technique ensures your shrimp are juicy and tender, complementing the creamy pasta perfectly.
The Secret to a Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s what sets this shrimp pasta apart from other seafood recipes. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning, while freshly minced garlic adds a bold flavor. Adding a splash of the reserved pasta water creates a silky, creamy texture that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.
Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Meal
While this shrimp pasta is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, serve it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This combination transforms a simple dinner into a delightful dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe? Spaghetti works beautifully, but you can also use linguine or fettuccine.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp in advance and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using, and lemon juice.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the butter sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
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