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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you need: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both rich and bright. You will need some basic tools to cook this meal: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for sautéing shrimp - A sharp knife for chopping garlic and parsley - A cutting board for prep work - A colander for draining pasta Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more fun. You can add these items for more taste: - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Spinach or arugula, for greens - A splash of white wine for depth - Crushed garlic chips for garnish These extras can elevate your dish and impress your guests. You can find the Full Recipe in the next section for detailed steps on how to use these ingredients. To make garlic butter shrimp pasta, start with the pasta. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the water. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this for about 1 minute until it smells great. Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Use 1 lb of large, peeled shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Once cooked, add the pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently to mix. Finally, add 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and check the seasoning. Serve right away with some grated Parmesan on top. To cook pasta well, always use plenty of water. Salt the water before adding the pasta. This helps to flavor the pasta. Stir the pasta a few times while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. Taste the pasta a minute before the timer goes off. It should be firm but not hard. If it needs more time, keep cooking. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Rinsing washes away the flavor and starch. For the best shrimp, start with fresh or frozen shrimp that is peeled and deveined. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and quickly. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough. If you want even more flavor, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking. This adds a zesty punch to your dish. Enjoy this garlic butter shrimp pasta as a simple and flavorful meal! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. When making garlic butter shrimp pasta, avoid overcooking the shrimp. They cook fast, usually in just a few minutes. If you leave them too long, they can become tough. Always check for that lovely pink color. Also, don’t skip the pasta water. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic instead of jarred. Fresh garlic packs more punch and makes a big difference. Adding a splash of white wine while cooking shrimp can give depth. For more zest, try adding more lemon juice or extra lemon zest. You can also mix in some capers for a briny touch. Serve your garlic butter shrimp pasta with a side of garlic bread. A simple green salad can also balance the meal. For a fun twist, add some cherry tomatoes or spinach directly into the pasta. This adds color and nutrients. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine for the perfect finish. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can add some heat to your dish. To make spicy garlic butter shrimp pasta, mix in extra red pepper flakes. You can also use diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Another option is to drizzle some sriracha on top before serving. This twist makes your pasta bold and exciting. For a creamy version, add heavy cream or cream cheese to the pan. Stir it in after sautéing the shrimp. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. You might also sprinkle in some grated cheese for more flavor. This creamy dish feels cozy and comforting. If you want a vegetarian twist, swap shrimp for veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus instead. Sauté them in butter and garlic just like the shrimp. You can still enjoy the lemon and parsley for fresh flavor. This way, you keep the essence of the dish while making it plant-based. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a Zesty Twist. After enjoying your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, let any leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it sealed well to avoid any unwanted flavors. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water or broth in a pan. Heat it over medium-low until warm. Stir gently to keep the pasta from sticking. In the microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy. If you want to save your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, take it out of the freezer and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal even after a few days! If you don't have shrimp, you can use chicken or scallops. Both options add great taste. Tofu is a nice choice for a vegan meal. It soaks up the garlic butter well. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many brands available. Always check the label for safety. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. You can find the Full Recipe online for easy access. It has tasty variations. Try adding more veggies for extra nutrition. You can also mix in different herbs to change the flavor. In this post, we covered all you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. We listed the ingredients, equipment, and optional flavors to enhance your dish. You learned step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect pasta and shrimp. We shared common mistakes to avoid and quick serving ideas. Plus, we explored tasty variations and essential storage information. Remember, cooking is fun and personal. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a Zesty Twist that will transport your taste buds to a culinary paradise! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, flavorful garlic, and fresh lemon zest to create a quick, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water along with lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to combine.

          Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.

            Plating: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4