Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and succulent shrimp with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the shrimp to shine while the garlic butter sauce elevates the dish to new heights. If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive meal, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich and aromatic sauce that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Versatile: Ideal for a romantic dinner or a casual family meal, this pasta dish fits any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from shrimp and lightened up with fresh lemon juice, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To get started on your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Skillet or sauté pan: Ideal for cooking shrimp quickly while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Colander: Makes draining pasta easy without losing any strands.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine
For the Sauce
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 cloves Garlic
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Butter
For Flavoring
- ¼ Juice of Lemon (Juice from 1/4 of Lemon)
- ¼ Lemon Zest (Zest from 1/4 of Lemon)
Other Ingredients
- 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 minced garlic until fragrant for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in the same pan. Add shrimp and stir occasionally until they turn opaque white with some pink color for about 4-6 minutes.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir until combined and allow the parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Fettuccine
Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
This recipe serves approximately five people and takes about 15 minutes to prepare along with a cook time of about 30 minutes. Perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful seafood pasta that bursts with flavor!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your dish.
Family Style
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at the dinner table.
Individual Plates
- Plate the pasta in individual servings, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.
With Lemon Wedges
- Offer lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the garlic butter shrimp.
Accompanied by Bread
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or breadsticks. This pairing is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
Salad Pairing
- Include a light salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens, to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Wine Pairing
- Suggest a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements seafood beautifully.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta experience, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp offers superior flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- Adjust garlic levels – If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add more cloves according to your preference for enhanced flavor.
- Don’t overcook shrimp – Cook until just opaque; overcooking can make shrimp rubbery.
- Add vegetables – Incorporate spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Experiment with seasonings – Feel free to add red pepper flakes for spice or Italian herbs for an extra flavor dimension.
- Finish with olive oil – Drizzle high-quality olive oil over the finished dish for a touch of luxury and additional flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Pairing your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these options:
- Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your pasta.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide great texture and flavor alongside your dish.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella makes a delightful appetizer.
- Caprese Salad – Layers of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic reduction create a beautiful presentation.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are hearty and satisfying alongside pasta.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can offer a crunchy texture that balances out the creamy pasta dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking fettuccine for too long can make it mushy. Always check for al dente texture before draining.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale garlic or old shrimp can ruin the dish. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoning can lead to bland pasta. Be sure to add enough sea salt and black pepper to enhance flavors.
- Forgetting the Lemon Zest: Lemon zest adds a bright note that balances the richness. Don’t skip this step for a refreshing taste.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap parmesan can have less flavor. Opt for high-quality cheese to elevate your dish’s taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for the best quality.
Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Enjoy within 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish made with fettuccine, shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon juice, creating a rich and flavorful meal.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is classic, you can substitute with linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice.
How can I customize my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes or swap shrimp for chicken or scallops based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta holds up well in the refrigerator and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an easy yet impressive dish that combines comforting flavors with quick preparation. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delectable dish that brings together the savory flavors of garlic and butter with tender shrimp, all served over al dente fettuccine. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from an intimate dinner to a family gathering. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and combines beautifully with the pasta, making it a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With its elegant presentation and delightful taste, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
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. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add butter to the skillet, then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp are opaque (4-6 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
