Simple Yet Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Description: This easy recipe for garlic butter shrimp pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. Packed with flavor and rich in texture, it’s sure to satisfy any seafood lover!

Ingredients Needed (Serves 4)

1 lb (450g) large shrimp
8 oz (about 225g) linguine pasta
6-8 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions and Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

For this dish, you’ll need about 35 minutes of active cooking time plus some preparation. Here’s how to proceed:

Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving about 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water.
Poaching Shrimp: In the meantime, poach the shrimp in hot water for two minutes or until pink and opaque. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Garlic Butter Sauce: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden but not burnt.
Mixing Everything Together: Once the sauce is ready, toss the drained pasta with the garlic butter sauce, adding a bit of pasta water to create a creamy consistency. Stir in the poached shrimp. Season generously with salt and fresh parsley for added freshness.
Serving: Transfer the pasta mixture into serving dishes and garnish each portion with lemon slices. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy it while still hot!

Tips & Variations

If you want to add extra kick, you could include some red pepper flakes or crushed red peppers to your sauce. For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply substitute the shrimp with additional vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
Fat Content: Saturated fat – about 15g, Polyunsaturated fats – around 37g
Sodium Level: Moderate; depends on salt added during preparation

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key to maintaining its texture.
Maintain a balance between garlic and butter; too much of either can overpower the flavors.
Poaching shrimp in hot water ensures they’re cooked just right without losing their firmness.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is not only satisfying but also versatile. You can adjust it to suit various dietary needs, like making it gluten-free by choosing a suitable pasta or adding more vegetables for those following vegan diets. It’s adaptable enough to cater to different palates and restrictions. This recipe caters beautifully to both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Conclusion

The combination of garlic, butter, shrimp, and pasta creates a dish that is simple yet incredibly flavorful. With its flexibility and delicious taste, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can become one of your go-to recipes for casual meals or even impressing guests with its elegance. Enjoy your cooking experience while making this delightful seafood pasta!

Happy Cooking! Remember to experiment with different herbs and spices; it’s all about finding what you like best.