Description
Indulgent garlic butter shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with silky noodles and succulent seafood. Quick weeknight dinners find delicious salvation in this simple yet elegant Italian-inspired classic that delights hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fats, Aromatics, and Herbs:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil with butter over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and fiery red pepper flakes, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds without scorching.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer across the skillet’s surface. Season with salt and black pepper, then allow each side to transform into a delicate pink hue, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Gently transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- Utilizing the same skillet, incorporate remaining butter and a splash of reserved pasta water. Drizzle in fresh lemon juice, creating a silky sauce that simmers softly.
- Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the fragrant sauce, twirling and coating each strand thoroughly. Reintroduce the succulent shrimp to the skillet, sprinkling Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor profile.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately, accompanied by additional Parmesan and zesty lemon wedges for those desiring an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Prevent overcooking shrimp by watching for a pink and curled appearance, which signals they’re perfectly done and won’t become rubbery.
- Enhance flavor intensity by using fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced, which provides a more vibrant and authentic taste profile.
- Adjust spice levels by controlling red pepper flake quantity, allowing customization for heat-sensitive diners or those preferring bolder flavors.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, maintaining the dish’s core essence while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 240 mg