![- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley - Salt and pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) The ingredients for garlic butter shrimp pasta are simple but full of flavor. You need spaghetti or any pasta you prefer. Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for the best texture. Unsalted butter makes the sauce rich and smooth. Fresh garlic brings a nice aroma and taste. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but you can adjust this to fit your taste. A lemon gives brightness and freshness to the dish. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Lastly, salt and pepper help enhance all the other tastes. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. - Additional herbs like basil or thyme - Vegetable options (e.g., spinach, tomatoes) - Alternative proteins (e.g., chicken or scallops) You can also customize your dish. Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. If you want more veggies, toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes. You can even switch the shrimp for chicken or scallops if you prefer. For the full recipe, check the instructions to create this easy and tasty meal. 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This will flavor your pasta as it cooks. 2. Add 8 oz of spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. 3. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell good! 3. Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. 4. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, mixing everything well. 1. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine everything. 2. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. 3. Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 4. Serve in bowls, and feel free to top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This simple method makes a delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. How to tell when shrimp are fully cooked Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and curl as they cook. A good sign is when they look opaque. If you see any gray, they need more time. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Tips for not overcooking garlic Garlic burns easily. Sauté it on medium heat for about one minute. Stir it well to avoid burning. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. Keep an eye on the garlic as you cook. Importance of reserving pasta water Always save some pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce. It gives your pasta a nice shine. If your dish is too dry, add a little reserved water. Best practices for pasta al dente Cook pasta until it’s firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions for timing. Test a piece a minute or two before the time is up. It should have a slight chew. Recommended side dishes to complement the meal Pair your pasta with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It adds a nice crunch and flavor. Ideal wine pairings for garlic butter shrimp pasta White wines go best with shrimp pasta. A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. They balance the rich flavors of garlic and butter. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing glass! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch up your pasta to keep things fresh. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works well if you need to avoid gluten. Zucchini noodles, also called zoodles, are a fun, low-carb choice. They cook fast and soak up the garlic butter sauce great. Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes or crushed pepper to your dish. If you crave a creamier sauce, stir in heavy cream. This change creates a rich texture that pairs well with the shrimp. You can also add herbs like basil for a fresh twist. Not all shrimp are the same. You can use different sizes, from small to jumbo. Just adjust the cooking time. If you like variety, try scallops, lobster, or crab. These seafood options can change the dish while keeping it tasty. You can easily adapt the recipe to fit your favorite seafood. To keep your garlic butter shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps seal in flavor and moisture. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. I recommend using glass containers for best results. They keep food fresh and are easy to clean. When reheating garlic butter shrimp pasta, the stovetop works best. Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate it. Stir gently until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the dish. If you must use the microwave, cover the pasta with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp pasta! First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid as needed. This method keeps the flavors bright and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the details above. How long does garlic butter shrimp pasta last in the fridge? Garlic butter shrimp pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps to keep the flavors fresh. Can I make garlic butter shrimp pasta in advance? Yes, you can make garlic butter shrimp pasta in advance. Just store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when you are ready to eat. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. This makes sure they cook evenly and taste great. What if I don’t have fresh garlic? If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. About 1/4 teaspoon is enough. It won’t taste the same, but it will still add flavor. Is garlic butter shrimp pasta healthy? Garlic butter shrimp pasta can be part of a healthy diet. It includes protein from shrimp and carbs from pasta. Balance is key. Nutritional facts per serving (calories, protein, fats, etc.) - Calories: 450 - Protein: 25g - Fats: 15g - Carbohydrates: 55g - Fiber: 2g For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! This article covered a simple and tasty garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize this dish with variations or fix storage issues. Remember, mastering this recipe means enjoying a great meal at home. Happy cooking! Enjoy your delicious shrimp pasta adventure!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/560d44fb-7436-4183-bd39-87b8efaf828f-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with this easy recipe! In just 20 minutes, you’ll whip up a creamy, zesty dish that features succulent shrimp and flavorful garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is sure to impress. Explore the full recipe and unleash your inner chef today. Click through for step-by-step instructions and enjoy a taste of paradise!