Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. Its simplicity and bold flavors make it a standout choice for pasta lovers everywhere.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: Takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and butter infuses the dish with irresistible flavor.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad or bread.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein from shrimp and can be made lighter by adjusting the butter.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family gatherings or entertaining guests; everyone loves pasta!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet or frying pan
Colander
Cooking spatula
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like garlic and shrimp to achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz Fettuccine

For the Shrimp Sauce

1 lb Shrimp
4 cloves 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)
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 the fettuccine pasta until al dente. Drain well then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, heat the cooking oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Melt butter in the same skillet. Then add shrimp, stirring occasionally until they turn opaque white with pink spots, approximately 4-6 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper to the shrimp mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and cheese melts.

Step 5: Mix in Fettuccine

Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your dish with parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious 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 your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Salad

Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the pasta, adding a refreshing crunch.
Mixed Green Salad – Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette will balance the flavors and add freshness.

Add Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a perfect dipping option.
French Baguette – Slices of French baguette can soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Top with Extra Ingredients

Chili Flakes – For a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the pasta before serving.
Fresh Herbs – Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to elevate flavor and presentation.

Serve with Wine

White Wine – A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this pasta dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

To make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta even better, consider these helpful tips:

Choose Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp will give you a more vibrant flavor compared to frozen ones.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Cook fettuccine until just al dente for the best texture.
Use High-Quality Parmesan Cheese – Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for richer taste and better melt.
Adjust Lemon Flavor – Feel free to tweak the lemon juice and zest according to your taste preferences.
Sauté Garlic Carefully – Avoid burning the garlic; cook it until just fragrant for optimal flavor.
Experiment with Seasoning – Add spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick, if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Complement your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with these delicious side dishes that elevate your meal.

Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus adds color and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil brings sweetness and depth.
Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing starter.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is fun to eat alongside pasta.
Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes a flavorful accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes when preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Skipping the salt in pasta water: Always add salt to your boiling water before cooking the fettuccine. This step enhances the pasta’s flavor significantly.
Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Avoid tough, rubbery shrimp by cooking them until just opaque, about 4-6 minutes.
Not using fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor. Dried or powdered garlic won’t yield the same delicious results.
Ignoring lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor. Don’t skip it; use fresh zest for the best taste.
Skipping garnishes: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also freshness. Always consider garnishing your dish for visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Allow the dish to cool down completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container as the pasta may expand.

Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval.
Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.

What type of shrimp is best for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you prefer.

How do I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta and reduce butter while increasing vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.

Can I prepare this recipe without butter?

Absolutely! You can use olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute while maintaining delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful meal that combines rich flavors with ease of preparation. It’s versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste!

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and butter, perfectly complementing succulent shrimp and fettuccine pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its simplicity and bold taste, it’s sure to impress any pasta lover. The buttery sauce, enhanced by a hint of lemon, creates a delightful balance that pairs beautifully with fresh salads or crusty bread. Elevate your dining experience with this mouthwatering recipe that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Fettuccine
1 lb Shrimp
4 cloves Garlic
½ cup Parmesan Cheese
4 tbsp Butter
¼ Juice of Lemon
¼ Lemon Zest
2 tbsp Cooking Oil
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

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Instructions

Cook the fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the cooking oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add butter to the skillet, then stir in shrimp until they turn opaque (about 4-6 minutes).
Mix in lemon juice, zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until coated in sauce.
Serve garnished with parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian