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This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, buttery sauce. The garlic and lemon balance out the richness of the butter, creating a perfect harmony of savory and fresh flavors.
With its rich, silky texture and a delicate hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley gives it the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to impress.
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Full Recipe:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
Directions:
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: A Deliciously Simple Dinner
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta. The shrimp are sautéed in a blend of butter and olive oil, then combined with garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of dry white wine to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Tossed with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, the dish is a luxurious yet easy weeknight meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. The creamy texture of the sauce, the slight acidity from the lemon, and the richness of the butter complement the tender shrimp and pasta beautifully.
This dish can easily be customized by adjusting the amount of garlic and lemon to suit your taste. Adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes gives it an optional kick, while more Parmesan can be added for an extra indulgent touch. For those who prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of garlic or skip the red pepper flakes altogether. The versatility of this dish allows you to adapt it to your preferences while maintaining its signature richness.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is Perfect for Any Occasion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is ideal for a variety of occasions, from a cozy dinner for two to a gathering with friends or family. Its elegant flavors make it an impressive choice for a dinner party, but its simplicity and speed make it just as suited for a quick, satisfying meal on a busy weeknight. The rich flavors of garlic and butter, combined with the creamy Parmesan sauce, elevate the shrimp to new heights, making this dish feel indulgent and special.
The angel hair pasta is delicate yet sturdy enough to soak up the flavorful sauce, providing the perfect base for the shrimp. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, which is why this dish comes together so fast. It’s an excellent option for anyone craving a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours of prep time. Additionally, the ingredients used in this dish are readily available in most grocery stores, making it easy to prepare without the need for hard-to-find or specialty items.
Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To enhance the flavors of this dish, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the delicate flavor of the shrimp and the acidity from the lemon. If you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic pairing, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime can also do wonders to balance the richness of the dish.
As for sides, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also pair beautifully with this dish, offering a light, crisp texture that complements the creamy sauce. For bread lovers, a crusty loaf of sourdough or a few slices of garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Conclusion: A Go-To Recipe for Busy Nights and Special Occasions
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want to make something impressive yet easy, or for special occasions when you want to treat yourself and your guests to something indulgent. The combination of rich garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and delicate pasta makes for a meal that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a crowd, this dish will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
The beauty of this dish is that it’s quick to prepare without sacrificing flavor or elegance. It’s perfect for those times when you need to create something that’s both comforting and sophisticated but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The simple, fresh ingredients used in Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta come together to create a meal that is greater than the sum of its parts—rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. The dish is easy to adapt to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a reliable option for any meal. So whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night at home, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, buttery sauce. The garlic and lemon balance out the richness of the butter, creating a perfect harmony of savory and fresh flavors.
With its rich, silky texture and a delicate hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley gives it the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes