Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
   • Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.

4. Create the Sauce:

   • Once the shrimp are cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
   • Stir in the lemon zest and juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Allow the butter to melt and the sauce to come together, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:

   • Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
   • Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the lemon garlic butter sauce and the shrimp are distributed throughout.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
   • Serve the lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy this delightful lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta as a satisfying and flavorful meal. The combination of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a dish that's sure to impress your taste buds!