Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Seafood Lover’s Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a perfect dish for seafood lovers seeking a quick and flavorful meal. Tender shrimp combine with a rich garlic butter sauce and al dente linguine for a comforting pasta dinner that feels special but is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the shrimp dry and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside to marinate briefly.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Step 4: Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Step 5: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Stir in the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to create a creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together gently to combine.
9. Step 9: Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use homemade broth or seafood stock instead of white wine.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
• Swap linguine for spaghetti or fettuccine based on your preference.
• Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for added color and nutrition.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, so avoid reheating multiple times.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock for similar depth of flavor.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Seafood Lover’s Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make seafood dish combining succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, linguine pasta, and fresh herbs. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal with a hint of white wine and lemon zest.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and, if desired, more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Incorporate Pasta Water, Cheese, and Parsley: Stir in the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors and create a silky sauce.
8. Return Shrimp to Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the pasta and toss everything together gently to distribute the shrimp evenly throughout the dish.
9. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired, for an extra flavorful presentation.

Notes

• For extra richness, you can substitute half of the butter with heavy cream to create a creamier sauce.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
• Reserve pasta water is key for achieving a silky and luscious sauce consistency.
• Cook shrimp in batches if your skillet is not large enough to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• This recipe goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, seafood pasta, shrimp linguine, easy seafood dinner, garlic butter sauce, Italian pasta recipe, quick shrimp pasta