Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and succulent shrimp over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy texture combined with the zesty lemon makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be ready in just 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates an irresistible taste that satisfies.
- Versatile: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for serving guests; it’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process. Having the right equipment ensures everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Pan
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta efficiently, ensuring even cooking.
- Pan: Used to sauté garlic and cook shrimp, allowing for optimal flavor development.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine
For the Shrimp Sauce
- 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)
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in the same pan. Add shrimp to the pan and stir occasionally until they turn opaque white with some pink hues, approximately 4-6 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper into the pan. Stir until everything is combined and the parmesan cheese has melted.
Step 5: Mix in Fettuccine
Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the pan. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
This recipe serves about 5 people and takes only about 15 minutes to prep with an additional cooking time of around 30 minutes. Enjoy this easy yet elegant dish any night of the week!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Serving Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful experience that can elevate any dining occasion. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering, here are some creative ways to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing complement the richness of the pasta.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese provides a bright contrast to the savory shrimp pasta.
Add a Touch of Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter is perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce from the pasta.
- Focaccia: This Italian bread can be served warm and flavored with herbs, adding a nice texture to your meal.
Include Seasonal Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds color and nutrients while balancing the dish’s richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized sprouts provide a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic butter shrimp pasta.
Finish with Dessert
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert adds a sweet ending and complements the flavors of your main course.
- Lemon Sorbet: A light and refreshing sorbet can cleanse the palate after enjoying the rich shrimp pasta.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and quality garlic to maximize flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook fettuccine until al dente for the best texture; it should have a slight bite.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness to every bite.
- Serve Immediately: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh; serve promptly for optimal taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, consider trying Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
When planning a meal around Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delectable options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes grilled for a smoky flavor.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze for brightness.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances the richness of the pasta with its creamy dressing.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach with garlic adds nutrients and depth to your meal without overwhelming flavors.
- Risotto: A creamy risotto can serve as an indulgent side that pairs well with shrimp pasta.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter complements seafood perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, some common mistakes can affect the final dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using overcooked pasta: This can make your fettuccine mushy. Ensure you cook it al dente according to package instructions.
- Not properly seasoning the shrimp: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to bland shrimp. Always season your shrimp before cooking for better flavor.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic adds essential flavor. Avoid this by cooking garlic until fragrant but be careful not to burn it.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Neglecting to zest the lemon: Lemon zest enhances freshness. Always include it alongside lemon juice for a balanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, here are some common questions:
What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish combining tender shrimp, flavorful garlic, and creamy butter tossed with fettuccine pasta.
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
The total time from prep to serving is about 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking for even results.
What can I customize in this recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition or substitute different pasta types based on preference.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with various ingredients based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that is sure to impress!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 5 people 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delectable and easy-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp with rich garlic and creamy butter, all served over al dente fettuccine. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. With the bright zest of lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it offers a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ lemon juice and zest
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Melt butter in the same pan, then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp are opaque (approximately 4-6 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Toss cooked fettuccine into the pan with the shrimp mixture until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
