Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) linguine or your choice of pasta
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

5. Deglaze the Skillet:

   • Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

7. Add Shrimp and Lemon Juice:

   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through.

8. Serve:

   • Divide the garlic butter shrimp pasta among serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

9. Enjoy!

   • Serve this flavorful garlic butter shrimp pasta hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.