Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hours of cooking? Then look no further! This butter garlic shrimp pasta recipe is your answer. It's a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant homemade creation. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds amazing flavor!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Creating the Sauce:
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This is a crucial step for developing the delicious garlic flavor in your sauce.
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If using, add the white wine to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
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Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, salt, and pepper.
Combining & Serving:
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
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Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of butter and olive oil.
- Add some veggies: Sauté some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms with the garlic for added nutrients and flavor. This transforms the dish into a more complete and healthy meal.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This butter garlic shrimp pasta recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy!