Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with tender shrimp and al dente fettuccine. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. The combination of zesty lemon, creamy parmesan, and fresh parsley makes it a standout choice for seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce infuses the shrimp and pasta with rich, savory flavors, making every bite irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can be served as an elegant main course or a delightful side dish.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment to make the cooking process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Pan
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and achieving the perfect al dente texture.
- Pan: Used for sautéing garlic and shrimp, ensuring even cooking and flavor integration.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta without losing any precious ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 clove Garlic
For the Sauce
- 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)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
In a large pot boiling salted water, cook fettuccine pasta until al dente. Drain well then set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Cook garlic until fragrant for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in the same pan. Add shrimp and stir occasionally until they turn opaque white with some pink, which should take about 4-6 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is combined and the parmesan cheese has melted.
Step 5: Mix with Pasta
Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the pan. Stir until evenly distributed with the shrimp mixture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions:
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal.
Add a Side of Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter complements the dish perfectly.
- Focaccia: This Italian flatbread, infused with herbs, is great for soaking up the sauce.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley adds color and freshness to your pasta.
- Basil Leaves: A few basil leaves on top can enhance the flavor profile.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Personalized Portions: Serving in individual bowls makes it more inviting and allows for easy sharing.
Top with Extra Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: Adding more parmesan right before serving elevates the richness of the dish.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To make sure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta turns out just right, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta; it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or lemon juice for balance.
- Keep It Warm: Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its freshest and warmest.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
When planning a meal around Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, consider complementing it with these delicious side dishes:
- Caprese Salad: A classic mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element to your plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender pair beautifully with shrimp pasta.
- Grilled Zucchini: Slice zucchini and grill them for a smoky flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter provides a fun, seasonal side option.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto can serve as a luxurious alternative to pasta while still matching well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Not salting the pasta water: Failing to salt your boiling water can lead to bland pasta. Ensure it tastes like the sea.
- Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture.
- Skipping lemon zest: Neglecting lemon zest means missing out on bright flavors. Always include it for an extra zing.
- Not properly draining the pasta: Leaving too much water on the pasta can dilute your sauce. Make sure to drain well before combining.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- To prevent clumping, consider freezing in single-serving portions.
Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is classic, any pasta like linguine or spaghetti works well too.
How can I customize my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep and can be stored for several days in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly.
Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors combined with fresh ingredients make it satisfying and comforting. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick yet luxurious dish that brings together the robust flavors of garlic, rich butter, and succulent shrimp, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. In just 15 minutes, you can create a meal that rivals your favorite restaurant’s seafood offerings. The addition of zesty lemon juice and fresh parsley not only elevates the flavor but also adds vibrant color to each plate. This versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite vegetables or served as an elegant centerpiece for family gatherings or dinner parties. Get ready to impress with this effortless yet delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz Fettuccine
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 cloves Garlic
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Butter
- Juice and zest of ¼ Lemon
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper
- Cooking Oil
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add butter to the pan, then stir in shrimp; cook until shrimp turn opaque (4-6 minutes).
- Mix in lemon juice, zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Toss cooked fettuccine into the pan until evenly coated.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
