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To make garlic butter shrimp pasta, you will need: - 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite pasta shape. - 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen can work too. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter adds richness to the dish. - 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. You can add these for extra flavor and visual appeal: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust based on how spicy you want it. - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: They add sweetness and color. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: This brings freshness to the dish. - Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional for a savory finish. These ingredients create a dish that is both simple and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy how they come together to make a fantastic meal! If you want to see the full recipe, check out the "Full Recipe" section. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to allow the pasta to move freely. Once it boils, add the spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining it. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely. When the butter starts to bubble, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté this for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell nice but not brown. After that, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp, which should be seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and burst, letting their juices flow into the pan. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and mix everything together. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time. This will help you get the sauce to the right smoothness, coating all the pasta well. This method makes a rich garlic butter sauce that clings to the pasta. For the complete details, refer to the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp well, heat your skillet on medium-high. This helps shrimp cook fast and evenly. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. Look for a pink color and opaque look. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch closely! For seasoning, use salt and pepper for a simple taste. You can also add lemon juice for a fresh kick. If you love spice, try adding more red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to match your taste. The sauce is key to this dish. Use pasta water to make it creamy. After cooking the pasta, save some water before draining. Add a little to the sauce while mixing. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Balance your sauce with the pasta. You want enough sauce to coat each strand. If it feels dry, add more pasta water until it looks smooth and rich. To make your dish look great, add a sprig of parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. You can also serve lemon wedges on the side. They add a pop of color and flavor. For sides, a simple green salad works well. It adds crunch and freshness to your meal. You could also serve garlic bread for a comforting touch. Enjoy your beautiful dish! {{image_4}} You can change up your garlic butter shrimp pasta by trying different pasta shapes. Use fusilli, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a fun twist. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you a unique experience. If you want to swap proteins, chicken or scallops work great. You can even go with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Each choice brings its own flavor and texture to the dish. Adjusting spice levels in this dish is easy. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use less or skip them altogether. You can also add fresh herbs to change the flavor. Basil or thyme can give your pasta a fresh taste. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite mix. For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that taste great and hold up well in this dish. If you’re looking for vegan substitutions, try using plant-based butter and skip the shrimp. You can use chickpeas or lentils as a protein source. They add a nice texture and flavor, making the dish still enjoyable. Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for all the details. To keep your garlic butter shrimp pasta fresh, store it right. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place the pasta in airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Make sure to label the containers with the date. You can store the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It will last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. For the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. Heat on medium for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over low heat. Add a little butter or oil, then add the pasta. Stir gently until heated through. This method helps keep the shrimp and pasta from getting tough. Enjoy your meal just as you did the first time! You can serve garlic butter shrimp pasta with many great side dishes. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works well for dipping. - Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add color and flavor. - A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely. These sides enhance the meal and make it more delightful. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. To thaw shrimp: 1. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. 2. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight for a slower thaw. Once thawed, cook the shrimp as you would fresh. This keeps your dish simple and tasty. To add heat to your garlic butter shrimp pasta, try these tips: - Increase the amount of red pepper flakes. - Add diced fresh chili peppers for a bold kick. - Try a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. You want to enjoy the spice without overwhelming the other flavors. You can find the full recipe for garlic butter shrimp pasta in the section titled "Full Recipe." This detailed guide will help you create a delicious meal step by step. This blog post guides you through making garlic butter shrimp pasta. You learned about ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. We shared fun variations and storage info, too. Now, you know how to create a tasty dish that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your creations. Simple adjustments can make it your own. Have fun cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Elevate your dinner with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Delight! This quick and delicious recipe combines tender shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a mouthwatering meal ready in just 30 minutes. Learn how to create the perfect sauce and serve it up with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Click through for the full recipe and indulge in this savory treat that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or adjust to your spice preference)

1 lemon, juice and zest (zest for brightness, juice for zing)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the shrimp.

    Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

        Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and started to burst, releasing their juices into the pan.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, gradually incorporating the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired sauce consistency—smooth and coat all the pasta.

            Finish the Dish: Once well combined, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or lemon juice if desired for extra brightness.

              Serve: Plate the pasta elegantly into serving bowls. If desired, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory touch.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish each plate with an additional sprig of parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side for a vibrant and appealing finish. Enjoy your delicious masterpiece!