Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with creamy garlic butter sauce over fettuccine. This recipe is ideal for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. The rich garlic aroma and the zesty lemon finish make it stand out, ensuring your meal will be memorable.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates an irresistible sauce that elevates the shrimp.
Versatile: Great as a main course or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests; it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Customizable: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Colander
Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly until al dente.
Skillet: Necessary for sautéing garlic and cooking shrimp to perfection.

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 then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Cook 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, which should take about 4-6 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined and the parmesan cheese melts into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Toss gently until evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy 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 that will enhance your meal experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze and basil.

Add Garlic Bread

Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter for a crunchy side.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Similar to classic garlic bread but topped with melted cheese for added richness.

Serve with Wine

Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine that complements the richness of garlic butter.
Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing choice that balances the flavors of the shrimp pasta.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic touch to the dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

To elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh shrimp and herbs to enhance flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook until just opaque to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of pasta water can help create a silky sauce consistency.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Complement your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with these delicious side dishes that round out your meal beautifully.

Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears provide a nutritious crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Mixed seasonal vegetables roasted to caramelized perfection add depth.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs offers a mild side that balances the rich pasta.
Coleslaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage and carrots adds freshness and texture.
Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini slices bring out natural sweetness and flavor.
Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach tossed with light vinaigrette is refreshing alongside creamy pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcooking the pasta: Cooking fettuccine too long can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow package instructions for al dente preparation.
Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Cook it over medium heat and keep an eye on it to avoid this mistake.
Skipping seasoning: Failing to season with salt and pepper can make your dish bland. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or old shrimp can diminish flavor. Always use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture.
Adding cheese too early: Adding parmesan cheese before the shrimp is cooked can lead to clumping. Wait until the shrimp are nearly done before stirring it in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Allow the pasta to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
It’s best to freeze without adding cheese; stir it in after reheating.

Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power, stirring halfway through, for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, and stir until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that might help you prepare this delicious meal.

Can I use different types of pasta for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works well, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you prefer.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn opaque white with pink edges when fully cooked. They should look firm but not rubbery.

Can I customize my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

What is the best way to serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

How long does Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this recipe is sure to impress!

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly marries succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic butter sauce over fettuccine. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. The rich aroma of garlic combined with the zesty touch of lemon elevates this meal to new heights. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this delightful pasta is sure to impress.

Instructions

Cook the fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
In a skillet, heat cooking oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add butter and shrimp to the skillet; cook until shrimp turn opaque (4-6 minutes).
Stir in lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss cooked fettuccine in the skillet with the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian