Ever wish you could whip up a fancy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank? Say hello to Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta—the ultimate blend of simplicity and deliciousness.
It’s the kind of meal that looks impressive enough to post online but is secretly easy enough for a weeknight after work. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
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8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (about half a standard package)
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1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
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Juice of half a lemon (around 1–2 tablespoons)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional, but makes you look fancy)
Instructions:
Step 1: Pasta Prep
First things first: boil a large pot of salted water and toss in your pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Before draining, grab a measuring cup and save about half a cup of that pasta water. Trust me, it’s your secret weapon later.
Step 2: Shrimp Time
While your pasta is bubbling away, melt your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 1–2 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic, though—it cooks fast!
Next, add in your shrimp. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re perfectly pink and cooked through. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Squeeze your fresh lemon juice right into the skillet and give it a quick stir. Now add your cooked pasta and that saved pasta water you set aside—just a splash or two to make sure the sauce coats everything perfectly. Toss gently.
Finish by sprinkling in the Parmesan cheese, giving it another quick toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Plate it up, garnish with a little extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, and voilà—your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is ready to impress.
Whether it’s date night, dinner for friends, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, this dish has got you covered. Bon appétit!
