Heavenly Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in this creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta that promises to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Squeeze in the lemon juice for a fresh kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy this luxurious dish!
Tips for Perfection
- For added flavor, marinate the shrimp in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking.
- If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition!
Why You’ll Love It
This Heavenly Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience! The rich, buttery sauce combined with perfectly cooked shrimp and pasta creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something delicious!