Pin it
Transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant worthy experience with this luxuriously creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta. This recipe combines perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente pasta in a rich, garlicky sauce that comes together in minutes. After years of perfecting this dish, I can promise it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The secret to this dish lies in quality ingredients and proper timing. When butter, garlic, and fresh shrimp come together, magic happens in your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large, wild caught preferred
- Pasta: Long strand varieties work best
- Butter: High quality unsalted
- Garlic: Fresh whole cloves
- Parmesan: Freshly grated
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil
- Greens: Arugula or spinach
- Seasonings: Sea salt and fresh pepper
Pin it
Creating Perfect Pasta
- Pasta Preparation:
- Boil well salted water. Cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining
- Shrimp Magic:
- Pat shrimp completely dry. Season generously. Sauté until just pink
- Sauce Development:
- Melt butter with garlic. Add pasta and reserved water. Toss until silky smooth
Creating this dish in professional kitchens taught me these crucial timing elements that make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions
Present in warmed bowls topped with: Extra fresh herbs, shaved Parmesan, red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, lemon wedges.
Perfect Pairings
Crusty garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, white wine, fresh focaccia.
Storage Solutions
- Keep pasta and shrimp separate if storing
- Refrigerate up to 2 to 3 days
- Reheat gently with splash of water
- Add fresh herbs when reheating
- Avoid freezing
Pin it
Customization Options
Add cherry tomatoes for color. Include mushrooms for earthiness. Try different pasta shapes. Swap in scallops or chicken. Add more vegetables.
Quick Tips
Prep all ingredients before starting. Keep pasta slightly undercooked. Have butter at room temperature. Don't overcrowd shrimp when cooking. Season throughout the process.
Make Ahead Tips
Clean and devein shrimp. Chop garlic and herbs. Measure out ingredients. Grate cheese fresh before using.
This garlic butter shrimp pasta represents the perfect balance of luxury and simplicity. Whether for quick family dinner or elegant entertaining, it delivers restaurant quality results while remaining surprisingly easy to execute. Remember, the key to success lies in quality ingredients and careful timing.
The combination of perfectly cooked shrimp, al dente pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. It's become my go to recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
- → What's the best pasta shape to use?
- Long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti works best as it holds the sauce well.
- → Can I substitute the butter?
- While butter provides the best flavor, you can use olive oil for a lighter version.
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
- Cook the garlic on medium heat and keep stirring to prevent it from browning too quickly.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.