Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti and fresh parsley for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return shrimp to skillet and add cooked spaghetti. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra veggies, add cherry tomatoes or spinach.
Use cream instead of white wine for a richer sauce.
Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne for more heat.
For dairy-free, substitute butter and Parmesan with olive oil.
Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for different proteins.
Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in skillet with splash of water or broth to keep sauce moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
