Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of garlic and butter with the succulent flavor of shrimp, all tossed in perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a family gathering, or even impressing friends at a dinner party. With its quick preparation and minimal ingredients, it stands out as a delicious and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a creamy sauce that elevates the shrimp.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering.
• Healthier Option: Packed with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from olive oil and butter.
• Kid-Friendly: This dish is appealing to both adults and children, making it a great family meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cooking Utensils (spatula or tongs)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly, ensuring it cooks perfectly al dente.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing garlic and shrimp, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta effectively without losing any pieces.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz Fettuccine

For the Shrimp Mixture

• 1 lb Shrimp
• 4 cloves Garlic

For the Sauce

• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
• 4 tbsp Butter

For Seasoning

• ¼ Juice of Lemon (Juice from 1/4 of Lemon)
• ¼ Lemon Zest (Zest from 1/4 of Lemon)
• 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, heat cooking oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Melt butter into the same skillet. Add shrimp and stir occasionally until they turn opaque white with some pink hues for approximately 4-6 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are combined and the parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Transfer cooked fettuccine into the skillet with shrimp mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with parsley before serving for an added touch. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor.
• Basil: Add fresh basil leaves to enhance the Italian flavor profile of the dish.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a perfect pairing that complements the garlic flavor.
• Breadsticks: Crispy breadsticks provide a nice crunch and are great for dipping into the sauce.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate extra parmesan on top before serving to intensify the cheesy goodness.
• Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese over the pasta for a tangy twist that contrasts beautifully with the rich butter sauce.

With Lemon Wedges

• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests who prefer an extra citrusy kick.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

To achieve restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta at home, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and garlic will significantly enhance the dish’s flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the fettuccine is cooked al dente for the best texture.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
• Save Some Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine and creamy dressing, perfect for balancing flavors.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the pasta.
4. Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness to your meal.
5. Risotto: A creamy risotto can serve as a luxurious side that pairs well with shrimp flavors.
6. Minestrone Soup: A hearty minestrone brings warmth and depth, making it an excellent starter option.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn adds a fun summer vibe and sweetness to balance savory dishes.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make for an elegant appetizer option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Always cook until they are opaque and slightly pink.
• Using cold shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. This helps achieve even cooking.
• Not seasoning properly: Underseasoning can lead to bland pasta. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Skipping the lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a fresh flavor that enhances the dish. Don’t skip it; it’s essential!
• Neglecting to reserve pasta water: Saving some pasta water can help create a creamier sauce when mixing everything together.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Add a splash of water if needed.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

Can I use other types of pasta for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and mix it with freshly cooked pasta right before serving.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an appealing dish that’s both easy and delicious. Its versatility allows for many customization options, from different pasta types to added veggies. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Tina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and butter with juicy shrimp, all tossed in perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a creamy, flavorful sauce that elevates your dining experience. Perfectly seasoned with lemon and parmesan, this pasta dish is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying your cravings for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz fettuccine
• 1 lb shrimp
• 4 cloves garlic
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp butter
• Juice and zest of ¼ lemon
• Sea salt and black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat cooking oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add butter to the skillet, then add shrimp; cook until they turn opaque (about 4-6 minutes).
4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper until combined.
5. Toss cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the shrimp mixture until coated.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 220mg