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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a culinary delight that captivates seafood lovers with its harmonious blend of flavors. This dish beautifully combines the savory notes of garlic with the richness of butter, perfectly complementing the tender, succulent shrimp. The result is a pasta meal that is not only delectable but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to choice for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Discover the delight of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, a perfect blend of savory garlic and rich butter that seafood lovers will adore. This simple yet elegant dish is ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. With fresh shrimp sautéed to perfection and a splash of lemon juice for brightness, you'll create a meal that's both flavorful and satisfying. Dive into this recipe and impress your loved ones with a dish that's quick and delicious!

Ingredients
  

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine, stirring occasionally. Cook according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it bubbles. Once bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the same skillet, add the drained pasta along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water (add more as needed for desired sauce consistency). Toss the pasta well to coat it in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. If you're using cherry tomatoes, toss them in now and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

          Add Shrimp and Lemon: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the pasta while tossing everything together to combine the flavors. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.

            Serve: Portion the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and finish off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is still hot and aromatic.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings