Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Description:
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic butter, all tossed in al dente pasta. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night meal. The recipe serves four people and takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients:
- 500g spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh lemon wedges for garnish
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 15 minutes
Serving Size:
- 4 servings
How to Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Cook garlic butter sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp: Increase the heat to high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Mix wine (optional): If using white wine, pour it into the hot garlic butter mixture to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until reduced by half.
- Toss pasta: Add drained spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding more cooking water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Combine shrimp and parsley: Return cooked shrimp to the pan along with chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until everything is heated through.
- Serve immediately: Divide the pasta among four plates or bowls, garnishing each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over top just before eating.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light red such as Pinot Noir. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
