Description
Garlic butter shrimp pasta emerges as a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Succulent shrimp nestled among al dente noodles deliver rich, garlicky flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package guidelines until al dente, ensuring to extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden.
- Incorporate seasoned shrimp into the fragrant pan, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and achieve translucent texture.
- Remove cooked shrimp from skillet, then introduce remaining butter to create a rich base.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat, then pour chicken broth, creating a silky, flavorful liquid foundation.
- Introduce cooked pasta into the skillet, gently folding to coat with the savory sauce, gradually integrating Parmesan cheese and bright lemon juice.
- Carefully reintroduce seared shrimp into the pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface, providing a final burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving immediately.
Notes
- Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your dish.
- Select shell-on shrimp for extra sweetness, peeling them just before cooking to maintain moisture.
- Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence without turning bitter.
- Use a wide skillet to allow shrimp to cook evenly without overcrowding, ensuring perfect caramelization.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains similar depth of flavor.
- Experiment with gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Add a splash of white wine for enhanced complexity and richness in the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish adaptable to different heat preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg