Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A delicious and quick seafood dish that combines the rich flavors of butter and garlic with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. This Mediterranean-inspired meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti whole wheat pasta works as a healthier alternative
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or high-quality olive oil for a lighter option
- 6 cloves garlic minced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to your heat preference
- 1/4 cup dry white wine substitute with chicken broth if preferred
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to foam. Add the shrimp in a single layer (working in batches if necessary) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the cooked shrimp. Toss everything together, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Notes
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pasta, replace half the butter with olive oil, and add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
The perfect shrimp will form a slight "C" shape; if they curl into a tight "O," they've overcooked.
Cold butter won't incorporate as smoothly, so let it come to room temperature if possible.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 195mgSodium: 890mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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