Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful way to spice up your dinner routine. Whether you’re cooking for family or setting the mood for a romantic evening, this dish is your go-to for deliciousness! Imagine plump shrimp simmered in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with linguine, and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Sounds heavenly, right? Not only does it taste incredible, but it also comes together in no time. So, when you’re pressed for time but still want something special, this pasta dish shines. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already!

As we go through this recipe together, you’re going to experience how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Quick and easy preparation, ideal for busy weeknights. When you’re short on time but still want something satisfying, this dish is a lifesaver.
• Rich and creamy flavors that make every bite an indulgence. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing that cozy feeling with each forkful.
• Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings. The elegant presentation is sure to impress, making it perfect for sharing.
• Accessible ingredients that bring a taste of gourmet dining to your home. You don’t need to hunt for fancy items; this dish uses simple staples.

What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful combination of perfectly sautéed shrimp and buttery garlic sauce served over luscious linguine. The dish beautifully balances a creamy sauce with fresh parsley and seasonings, giving you a burst of vibrant flavor in each bite. Moreover, it’s versatile too! You can adjust the spice levels or even toss in seasonal veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

To make this tasty meal, gather the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 ½ tablespoons butter, divided
– 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional) or smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning
– 1 clove garlic (minced)
– ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
– ½ cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
– ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Cooking the Pasta

Boil Pasta to Perfection

First, bring a medium-sized saucepan of water to a boil and sprinkle in the salt. When it’s bubbling, drop in the linguine and cook it following the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but be sure to taste it! Once it’s ready, reserve about 1 cup of that pasta water—you’ll need it later! After that, simply drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Preparing the Shrimp

Sauté the Shrimp

Next up, it’s shrimp time! In a skillet over medium heat, combine 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the shrimp and cook for about one minute. Season them with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning for added flavor. Continue cooking until they turn a gorgeous pink, which should take about 3-4 minutes total, depending on their size. If your shrimp are a bit crowded, don’t hesitate to work in batches. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Crafting the Sauce

Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, in the same skillet you used for the shrimp, melt the remaining butter. Add in the minced garlic and cook for around 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh my, the aroma already is heavenly! Once that’s done, pour in the heavy cream, using a spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. This will add a rich depth to your sauce.

Add Cheese and Adjust Consistency

As the cream heats, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add in that reserved pasta water. This step helps reach your desired consistency, so keep checking it! After simmering for about a minute, taste it, and adjust seasoning if needed. Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper; this dish loves a bit of boldness!

Bringing It All Together

Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Finally, let’s bring it all together! Toss the cooked pasta into that creamy sauce until every strand is coated nicely. Then gently fold in the shrimp to warm them through without overcooking. And for the finishing touch, sprinkle guilt-free chopped parsley on top before serving. The freshness of the parsley adds just the right pop!

Serving Suggestions

For an unforgettable meal, serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta alongside some crispy garlic bread. This combo is heavenly! If you’re looking to lighten things up, a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette feels perfect on the side, balancing all that creaminess nicely.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the shrimp are thoroughly thawed for even cooking; this will keep everything tender and perfectly done.
• If you want a lighter version, just reduce the amount of cream, or even try a mix of half-and-half.

Variations

Feel free to switch things up! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a low-carb delight. You might also want to toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.

Pairing Ideas

To perfectly complement your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, consider a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines bring out the flavors wonderfully! Additionally, a light, citrusy side dish or some roasted veggies will round out your meal beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as they are peeled and deveined. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, consider half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead. Just cook the pasta separately when you’re ready to serve.

5. What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Linguine is perfect, though you can also use fettuccine or spaghetti based on your preference.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an exquisite dish that’s both quick and elegant, making it ideal for any occasion. The combination of succulent shrimp bathed in rich, garlicky cream over pasta creates a harmonious meal that delights the palate. Perfectly suited for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe will leave your loved ones asking for seconds. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find yourself returning to this favorite recipe time and again. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Cream Of Mushroom Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes
• Pioneer Woman Corned Beef Hash
• Breakfast Skillet

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta offers a rich and creamy experience that’s quick to prepare. With succulent shrimp, buttery sauce, and linguine, it’s perfect for busy nights and special gatherings alike.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional) or smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

• Boil water in a medium saucepan and add salt.
• Cook linguine as per package instructions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
• In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink (3-4 minutes). Remove shrimp.
• In the skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic.
• Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan, stirring to combine. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
• Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, add shrimp, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Thaw shrimp completely for even cooking.
Consider using half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg