Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The creamy texture and zesty notes from lemon elevate the dish, making it a standout choice among pasta recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from lemon, it’s a wholesome choice for dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Colander
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
- Skillet: Used for sautéing garlic and cooking shrimp, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 clove Garlic
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Butter
- ¼ Juice of Lemon (Juice from 1/4 of Lemon)
- ¼ Lemon Zest (Zest from 1/4 of Lemon)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
In a large pot boiling salted water, cook fettuccine pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Cook minced garlic until fragrant for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add shrimp and stir occasionally until they turn opaque white with some pink color (about 4-6 minutes).
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir until combined and the parmesan cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Transfer cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Toss gently until evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with fresh parsley before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the pasta, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Arugula Salad – Tossed with lemon vinaigrette, arugula adds a peppery bite that complements the shrimp.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Focaccia – Soft and flavorful focaccia makes for a great side to enjoy alongside your pasta.
Enhance with Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Grilled Asparagus – The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To make sure your garlic butter shrimp pasta turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and quality shrimp will elevate the flavors of your dish significantly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Cook shrimp just until they are opaque; overcooking can make them tough.
- Reserve Pasta Water – Save a bit of pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Toss Quickly – Combine fettuccine with the sauce while it’s hot, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Serving garlic butter shrimp pasta with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they add heartiness to your meal.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and flavorful pairing.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a fun texture and sweetness that balances the savory pasta.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick and easy, sautéed spinach brings nutrients and color to your plate.
- Zucchini Noodles – A healthy alternative that complements the flavors of garlic butter shrimp without being too heavy.
- Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful mix of vegetables provides freshness and crunch alongside your dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the dish’s flavor.
- Skipping the salt in pasta water: Salted water enhances the pasta’s taste. Always add enough salt to the boiling water to season the fettuccine properly.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking can make it rubbery. Cook until it turns opaque and pink, about 4-6 minutes.
- Not using fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced alternatives. Use fresh cloves for a more robust taste.
- Ignoring lemon zest and juice: These ingredients brighten up the dish. Skipping them can result in a flat flavor profile, so don’t omit this step.
- Failing to combine ingredients well: Ensure that all components mix thoroughly. This step is crucial for uniform flavor distribution, especially with parmesan cheese.
- Not garnishing before serving: A garnish adds visual appeal and freshness. Always add herbs or other garnishes just before serving for an inviting presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion out servings for easier reheating later.
Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan with a splash of water or oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
How do I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta more flavorful?
Adding extra herbs like parsley or basil can enhance flavors. You can also experiment with spices such as red pepper flakes for a kick!
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This helps achieve even cooking and prevents excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is ideal due to its ability to hold sauces well. However, you can substitute with linguine or spaghetti based on preference.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta healthy?
While it’s rich and comforting, pairing it with vegetables or using whole-grain pasta can boost its nutritional profile.
Can I customize my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing room for customization. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings. Try adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasoning to make it uniquely yours!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that brings together succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and zesty lemon in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. The fettuccine serves as the ideal base to soak up all the flavorful sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying experience. Elevate your dinner with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Fettuccine
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 cloves Garlic
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Butter
- Juice and zest of ¼ Lemon
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add shrimp and cook until opaque and pink (4-6 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
