Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a zesty, buttery sauce infused with the flavors of garlic and lemon. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Let's dive into the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 300g (10oz) linguine or spaghetti
• 400g (14oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
   • Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and dry white wine (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until evenly coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.

5. Add the Shrimp and Serve:

   • Gently stir in the cooked shrimp, allowing them to warm through in the sauce for an additional minute.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Garnish the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.

Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!