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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4 from 65 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, savory meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine or fettuccine

Shrimp and Sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  3. Combine Sauce and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the butter to melt and the cheese to incorporate into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it one final toss. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh shrimp and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives.