Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This shrimp bowtie pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delightful blend of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a vibrant, zesty sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and is one of the best recipes for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high 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.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
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Combine Everything: Stir in the butter, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Bowtie Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. This can easily transform this into a healthy meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of lemon juice and garlic for a more intense lemon garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This shrimp bowtie pasta recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks. Enjoy!