Indulge in the savory delight of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s how to bring this culinary masterpiece to your table:
Ingredients:
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
Stir in lemon juice and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet.
Add drained pasta, tossing to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy:
Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
Serving Tips:
Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the plated pasta just before serving. This enhances both the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
Accompaniments: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the pasta dish.
Wine Pairing: For a delightful pairing, serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of these wines balances the buttery richness of the dish.
Individual Portions: Consider serving the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in individual pasta bowls or deep plates. This not only presents the dish beautifully but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy every bite.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the pasta and shrimp are completely cooled before storing.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Place cooled pasta and shrimp in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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