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To make this tasty dish, gather these key items: - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 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, juiced and zested - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) These ingredients create a rich flavor. The shrimp adds protein and the garlic brings a nice aroma. You can boost the flavor with these extras: - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Spinach or arugula - A splash of white wine - Capers or olives These options bring fresh tastes. Adding cherry tomatoes or greens brightens the dish. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking shrimp - Colander for draining pasta - Lemon squeezer for easy juice - Tongs or a pasta fork for mixing These tools help you cook and serve the pasta well. They make the process smooth and fun. For the full recipe, check the details above. To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti to the pot. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, save ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once it melts, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Now, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the juice of 1 lemon, and the lemon zest. Toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Once it’s mixed, sprinkle in ¼ cup of chopped parsley. Taste your dish and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this savory garlic butter shrimp pasta! For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To get the sauce just right, use reserved pasta water. After draining, save about half a cup. When you mix the pasta with shrimp, add water slowly. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It should be creamy, not too thick or thin. If it's not saucy enough, add more water a little at a time. Taste as you go. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool first to avoid steam buildup. Place the container in the fridge. Use the pasta within three days for best taste. Reheating in a skillet keeps it fresh. Add a splash of water to help revive the sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add more red pepper flakes for heat. A pinch more salt can enhance the shrimp's flavor. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, so don’t shy away from it. Always taste before serving. You can get creative with herbs too; basil or thyme can add a new twist. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta by adding veggies. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers work well. Just toss them in the skillet when cooking the shrimp. They will cook quickly and add color and flavor to your dish. You can also use asparagus or zucchini. Both add a nice crunch and fresh taste. If you need gluten-free or low-carb options, choose zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Both options mimic pasta but have fewer carbs. For gluten-free pasta, look for rice or corn-based versions. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid mushiness. For a kick of heat, add more red pepper flakes to your dish. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This adds a bold flavor that pairs well with the garlic and shrimp. Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you want extra flavor, consider a dash of smoked paprika. These variations not only change the taste but also make the meal more exciting. You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections. Enjoy exploring these options! After enjoying your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents your pasta from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheat your pasta on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring gently. This helps keep the pasta from sticking. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. To freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy this dish even later! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This makes them easy to peel and devein. Using frozen shrimp can save time and still taste great in your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Linguine or spaghetti works best for this dish. They hold the sauce well and complement the shrimp nicely. You can also try other shapes like fettuccine. Just follow the cooking time on the package for perfect pasta. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. This keeps the flavor rich without using any dairy. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version. Meal prep is easy with this recipe. Cook the pasta and shrimp ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in a pan. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light salad with greens and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. For a crunchy side, serve toasted garlic bread. Both options make a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients listed above! This recipe is simple and quick. You can make it in just 25 minutes. The key is to have everything ready before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun. - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 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, juiced and zested - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Each ingredient adds its own special flavor. The shrimp gives protein and a nice texture. The garlic and butter create a rich sauce. The lemon adds brightness, and the parsley gives a fresh touch. If you want to add more flavor, consider these options: - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness. - Spinach for greens and nutrition. - White wine for a deeper taste. These extras can make your dish even more special. Feel free to experiment based on what you like! To make this dish, you need a few tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta. - Large skillet for cooking shrimp. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. - Colander for draining pasta. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. It also helps you enjoy the process more. Now that you know the ingredients and tools, you can check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step cooking instructions. This way, you can create a tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that everyone will love! This blog post covered how to make delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. We looked at essential ingredients and how to cook shrimp just right. I shared tips for sauce consistency and how to store leftovers. You can try variations like adding veggies or using gluten-free pasta. With these steps and tips, you can create a dish everyone loves. Enjoy making this pasta, and don’t forget to have fun!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Savor the delicious flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with this easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, zesty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. From perfectly cooked shrimp to a buttery garlic sauce balanced with fresh lemon and parsley, your taste buds will thank you. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

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, juiced and zested

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

          Finish with Herbs: Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

            Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4