Take your taste buds on a journey with this Garlic Shrimp Pasta! Juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce paired with al dente pasta creates a quick and mouthwatering dish 🥂🍽️
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 🍝 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 🧂 Salt (for pasta water)
For the Garlic Shrimp Sauce:
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🧄 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 🫒 3 tbsp olive oil
- 🧈 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 🍋 Juice of 1 lemon
- 🌱 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🧀 Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Sauté the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 4 tbsp butter and remaining olive oil. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and lemon juice. Stir well.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. Add the shrimp back in and mix well. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: Garlic, butter, and lemon create a perfect balance.
- Elegant Yet Simple: Impress your guests with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or make it vegetarian!
✨ This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is comfort food with a gourmet touch. Pair it with a crisp white wine and garlic bread for the ultimate meal. 🥰🍴