: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) linguine or your favorite pasta
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Saute Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add Tomatoes and Chicken Broth: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavors.

5. Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp and pasta are coated in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta and give it a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

7. Enjoy: Dish out the pasta onto plates, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of shrimp. Squeeze a lemon wedge over each serving for a zesty kick. Serve hot and savor the delightful combination of garlic-infused butter, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that effortlessly combines the richness of garlic and butter with the freshness of shrimp and tomatoes. It's a versatile recipe that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.