Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.

3. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.

6. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the lemon and garlic butter sauce.

7. Finish with Shrimp and Parsley: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss with the pasta and sauce until everything is heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

8. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Enjoy: Serve the lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired. Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Enjoy!