Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cooked pasta to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate if using wine.
- If you want a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point and let it heat for another 2 minutes.
- Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs more moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic lemon butter sauce to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with the lemon zest and chopped parsley.
- Toss everything together gently for about 2 minutes until well combined. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta to a large serving dish.
- Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 870mg
- Protein: 25g