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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you need simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The pasta serves as a base, while shrimp adds protein. The garlic and butter create a rich sauce. Lemon juice brightens up the flavors, and parsley adds freshness. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick, which you can adjust to your taste. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can find shrimp at your local market. The pasta can be linguine or spaghetti, depending on your preference. When you combine these ingredients, you create a delightful meal that shines with flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! 1. Bringing water to a boil: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. This step is important for flavor. 2. Cooking linguine or spaghetti until al dente: Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender but still firm. 3. Reserving pasta water: Before draining the pasta, save ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. This water helps make the sauce creamy and smooth. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. Melting butter and sautéing garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about 1-2 minutes until it smells great but does not brown. 2. Adding red pepper flakes: Now, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick to your dish. Stir well to combine the flavors. 1. Cooking shrimp in the skillet: Increase the heat to medium-high. Carefully add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. 2. Mixing in cooked pasta and butter: Once shrimp are ready, reduce the heat back to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together gently. Add the reserved pasta water a bit at a time until the sauce coats the pasta nicely. This step brings all the flavors together, making a wonderful dish that is easy and flavorful. For the complete process, refer to the Full Recipe. To create the best garlic butter sauce, start with seasoning. Use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Taste as you go. Adjust until it’s just right for you. For the sauce's consistency, use reserved pasta water. This water is starchy, which helps thicken the sauce. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. A silky sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. Cooking shrimp perfectly is key. First, make sure shrimp are fresh and cleaned. This will ensure the best taste and texture. Heat your skillet to medium-high for a quick cook. Shrimp cook fast! In just 2-3 minutes, they turn pink and opaque, showing they are done. Flip them carefully and do not overcook. Overcooked shrimp can become tough. Keep an eye on them for the best results. Presentation matters! Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for a nice touch. Drizzle some melted butter on top for extra flavor. A lemon wedge adds a pop of color and lets guests add more lemon if they wish. For garnishing, consider using fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. These add flavor and make the dish look beautiful. A sprinkle of herbs brightens up the meal, making it more appealing. For the full recipe, check the details provided. {{image_4}} You can switch up your pasta for this dish. Using whole wheat pasta gives it a nutty flavor. Gluten-free pasta is a great choice for those with allergies. Other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine work well, too. These options keep the dish fresh and fun. Adding veggies makes your garlic butter shrimp pasta even better. Spinach wilts nicely and adds color. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a burst of flavor. You might also try mushrooms for a rich taste. Bell peppers add crunch and a pop of color. Mix and match your favorites for a healthy twist. You can control the spice in your dish. Red pepper flakes can make it hot. If you like it mild, use less or skip them. Consider adding lemon zest for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also enhance flavors. This way, each bite is just how you like it. To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents strong odors. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use a glass or plastic container that seals well to keep air out. When you want to reheat your pasta, the best method is to use the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to a pan. Heat on low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If you use a microwave, cover the bowl loosely. This keeps moisture in, but check every minute to mix and prevent sogginess. If you want to freeze leftovers, let them cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the pasta for up to two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, adding a little water or broth as needed. This keeps it creamy and tasty. Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta takes about 25 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and shrimp takes about 15 minutes. This quick time makes it a great meal for busy days. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This will help them defrost quickly. Make sure to dry them well before cooking. This way, you'll get a nice sear when you add them to the pan. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It helps soak up the delicious sauce. For a light touch, serve steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Enjoy mixing and matching your sides to find your favorite! This blog post shared a simple recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. I included variations for different diets and preferences. Try this dish for a quick and delicious meal. Customize it with veggies or spice levels. Whether you refrigerate, freeze, or reheat, enjoy every bite. Eating well can be easy and fun!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp paired with linguine in a rich garlic butter sauce will leave you craving more. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a gourmet meal that's ideal for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide and surprise your family with this restaurant-quality dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Shrimp: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Carefully add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side, flip, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully cooked, turning pink and opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Gently toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, creating a silky coating on the pasta.

          Finish with Herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley. Give it a taste, adjusting the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to enhance the flavors.

            Serve: Plate generous servings of the pasta, ensuring each plate has shrimp and a luscious coating of the sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that perfect finishing touch.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For a rustic look, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra melted butter on top and adding a lemon wedge so guests can add more lemon if they like.