Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple, yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The rich garlic butter sauce combined with tender shrimp and al dente pasta creates a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook the shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Combine pasta and shrimp:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, and juice, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finish the dish:
- Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve:
- Plate the Garlic Shrimp Pasta, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan, and enjoy immediately!
