Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

After a long week, there’s nothing quite like a dish that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and feels just a little bit indulgent. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta has become our family’s go-to for those evenings. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter alone is enough to lift spirits, and when you add the succulent sweetness of shrimp and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked spaghetti, you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly elegant. Even my picky eaters devour this, and the best part? From prep to plate, it’s genuinely ready in under half an hour. It’s become a staple for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings alike, always delivering smiles and requests for seconds. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort, look no further – this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a winner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is all about speed and flavor, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. While the pasta is cooking, you can move on to the next steps, making this a truly efficient meal.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, place the same pot you used for the pasta (once emptied and dried, or use a separate large skillet) over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and begin to sizzle gently. Be careful not to let it brown too quickly, as we want a rich, buttery flavor, not a burnt one. Once the butter is melted, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic in the melted butter for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which can lead to a bitter taste. The aroma of garlic sautéing in butter is a key indicator that you’re on the right track – it should be wonderfully inviting.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Once the garlic is fragrant and softened, add the 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Spread the shrimp in a single layer if possible, to ensure even cooking. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp. Keep an eye on them, and flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so it’s crucial to cook them just until they are done. They should be firm and no longer translucent.
4. Drain Pasta and Combine: By this point, your spaghetti should be cooked al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. It’s important to drain it well so that the sauce clings nicely to the pasta and doesn’t become watery. Immediately add the drained spaghetti to the pot with the garlic butter shrimp.
5. Add Lemon Juice and Toss: Pour 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the pasta and shrimp mixture. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the shrimp beautifully. Using tongs or two forks, gently toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the garlic butter sauce and evenly mixed with the shrimp. Ensure the lemon juice is distributed throughout the dish.
6. Serve Immediately: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is best served immediately while it’s hot and the flavors are at their peak. Serving it right away ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente and the shrimp is juicy. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal (optional). Serve in bowls and enjoy this delightful and quick meal!

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated, per serving, assuming 2 servings)

• Servings: 2
• Calories per serving: Approximately 650-750 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

Detailed Breakdown (Approximate):

• Calories from Spaghetti (8oz): Around 800 calories (for the whole 8oz, so about 400 calories per serving if divided equally)
• Calories from Shrimp (1lb): Approximately 400 calories (for the whole pound, so about 200 calories per serving)
• Calories from Butter (4 tbsp): Approximately 400 calories (for the whole 4 tbsp, so about 200 calories per serving)
• Calories from Garlic (3 cloves): Negligible
• Calories from Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Negligible

Macronutrient Breakdown (Approximate, per serving):

• Protein: 40-50g (primarily from shrimp)
• Fat: 25-35g (primarily from butter)
• Carbohydrates: 70-80g (primarily from spaghetti)

Important Notes:

• These are rough estimations and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
• Serving sizes can also significantly affect the nutritional content per serving.
• For more accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator app or website, inputting the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• This dish is relatively high in carbohydrates and fat due to the pasta and butter. However, it is also a good source of protein from the shrimp.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes (This includes peeling and deveining shrimp, mincing garlic, and gathering ingredients)
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes (This includes cooking pasta, sautéing garlic, and cooking shrimp)
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, perfect for a delicious meal even on the busiest of evenings. The majority of the time is spent cooking the pasta and shrimp, while the prep work is minimal and straightforward. The fast cooking time is one of the key advantages of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish on its own, but you can elevate the dining experience with thoughtful serving suggestions and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Garnishes for Enhanced Flavor and Visual Appeal:
  • Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the dish. Sprinkle it generously over the pasta just before serving.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle spicy kick that balances the buttery garlic sauce. Sprinkle lightly or serve on the side for guests to add according to their preference.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste. Offer it at the table so everyone can add as much as they like.
  • Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating can brighten the flavors and add an extra zing.
• Side Dishes to Complement the Pasta:
  • Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is always a welcome addition to pasta dishes. The crispy, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers offer a healthy and flavorful side. The slightly charred and tender vegetables provide a nice textural and flavor contrast to the pasta.
  • Caprese Salad: The fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a Caprese salad make a light and refreshing side dish, especially during warmer months.
• Beverage Pairings:
  • White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood pasta dishes. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the shrimp.
  • Rosé Wine: A dry rosé is another excellent choice, offering a balance of fruitiness and acidity that works well with the flavors of the pasta.
  • Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is refreshing and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea is also a good non-alcoholic pairing, especially on a warm day.
• Serving Style:
  • Family Style: Serve the pasta in a large bowl in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. This is a casual and convivial way to enjoy the meal.
  • Individual Plates: Portion the pasta onto individual plates for a more formal presentation. Garnish each plate attractively before serving.
  • Warm Plates: Serving pasta on warm plates helps to keep the dish hot longer, ensuring a more enjoyable dining experience.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can transform a simple Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta into a more complete and memorable meal, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

To ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a resounding success every time, consider these helpful tips that go beyond the basic recipe:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp: The quality of your shrimp significantly impacts the final dish. Opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan. This helps them to sear nicely and prevents them from steaming in their own moisture, which can result in rubbery shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm, smell fresh (not fishy), and have a good color.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking is the most common mistake. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, and are slightly firm to the touch. This usually takes only 3-4 minutes in a hot pan. As soon as they are cooked, remove them from the heat immediately to prevent carry-over cooking. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly even after you remove them from the heat.
3. Infuse the Butter with Garlic Flavor Properly: Sautéing the garlic in butter is crucial for developing the aromatic base of the sauce. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of your dish. Sautéing it gently in butter releases its flavor compounds and infuses the butter beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
4. Reserve Pasta Water (Optional, for a Creamier Sauce): While the recipe doesn’t call for it, reserving about half a cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti can be a game-changer. If you want a slightly creamier sauce, add a little pasta water to the pot after tossing in the spaghetti and lemon juice. The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smoother and more luscious texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Customize with Additional Flavors and Ingredients: While this recipe is delicious in its simplicity, feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. Consider adding:
   • White Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) after sautéing the garlic, before adding the shrimp. This adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Let it reduce slightly before proceeding.
   • Red Pepper Flakes (for Heat): If you like a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic or directly to the finished dish.
   • Fresh Herbs: Beyond parsley, try adding other fresh herbs like chopped basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavor profile. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh aroma.
   • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can be added along with the shrimp for a burst of sweetness and acidity. They add a lovely visual element as well.
   • Spinach or Arugula: For added greens and nutrients, toss in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula at the very end, just before serving. The heat from the pasta will wilt them slightly.
   • Pinch of Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: A subtle addition of dried oregano or Italian seasoning can add a warm, herbaceous note to the sauce. Add it when sautéing the garlic.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can consistently create a perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that’s flavorful, perfectly cooked, and tailored to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Here are some common questions people have about making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, along with helpful answers to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. However, it’s crucial to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to place them in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw them quickly, place the frozen shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking. This removes excess moisture and helps them to sear better in the pan.

Q2: What type of pasta is best for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

A: Spaghetti is a classic and excellent choice for this dish as its long strands are perfect for twirling and capturing the garlic butter sauce. However, you can also use other long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta. For shorter pasta shapes, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would also work well, although they might not hold the sauce as elegantly as long pasta. Ultimately, the best pasta is the one you prefer and have on hand.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh and immediately after cooking. Shrimp is best when cooked right before serving to maintain its tender texture, and pasta is also best served al dente. If you need to prepare components in advance, you can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and measure out the butter and lemon juice ahead of time. You can also cook the pasta slightly ahead and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, but it’s best to cook the shrimp and sauce just before serving and then combine everything. Reheating the entire dish can make the shrimp rubbery and the pasta mushy.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables can enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile of your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Some great vegetable additions include:

• Asparagus: Add asparagus spears to the pan a few minutes before the shrimp as they take a bit longer to cook.
• Broccoli Florets: Lightly steam or blanch broccoli florets before adding them to the pan with the shrimp.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can be added along with the shrimp for a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Spinach or Arugula: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula at the very end for a quick wilt and added greens.
• Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers can be sautéed with the garlic before adding the shrimp for a sweeter flavor and crunch.

Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

A: Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative, olive oil, or avocado oil. Olive oil will impart a slightly different flavor but will still create a delicious garlic sauce. Ensure your chosen butter substitute behaves similarly to butter when melted and sautéed.

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free spaghetti or your preferred gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available made from rice, corn, quinoa, or blends of these. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you have strict dietary restrictions.

By considering these FAQs and their answers, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges and customize this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe to perfectly suit your needs and preferences, ensuring a delicious and stress-free cooking experience every time.

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