Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with tender shrimp and fettuccine. This easy-to-make recipe is suitable for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or even romantic date nights. Its creamy texture and zesty lemon notes make it a standout option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a savory sauce that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Great for any occasion—serve it at family dinners, casual get-togethers, or elegant parties.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from shrimp and paired with pasta, it’s both filling and satisfying.
- Easy Cleanup: Made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools needed for preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Pan
- Colander
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot: This is essential for cooking the fettuccine pasta evenly until al dente.
- Pan: Used to cook the shrimp and create the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta easily without losing any of it.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine
For the Shrimp Sauce
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 clove Garlic
For Flavoring
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Butter
- ¼ Juice of Lemon (Juice from 1/4 of Lemon)
- ¼ Lemon Zest (Zest from 1/4 of Lemon)
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
Seasoning
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
In a large pot boiling salted water, cook fettuccine pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat.
Cook garlic until fragrant for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in the same pan then add shrimp.
Stir occasionally until the shrimp turn opaque white with some pink for about 4-6 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until combined and the parmesan cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Mix with Pasta
Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the pan containing the shrimp mixture.
Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Casual Dinner Setting
- Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Pair with Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the garlic flavor in the dish while providing a crunchy texture.
Elegant Presentation
- Use Fresh Herbs as Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add Lemon Slices: Placing lemon slices on the plate not only looks appealing but also adds an extra zing when squeezed over the pasta.
Family-Friendly Meal
- Offer Grated Cheese at the Table: Provide extra Parmesan cheese for those who want more creaminess and flavor.
- Include a Variety of Vegetables: Adding steamed broccoli or asparagus can make the meal more nutritious and colorful.
For Special Occasions
- Serve in Individual Bowls: Presenting each serving in stylish bowls makes it feel like a gourmet meal.
- Create a Themed Menu: Pair this dish with other seafood recipes for a complete seafood feast.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Perfecting Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to achieve an outstanding dish.
- Flavoring: Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; avoid pre-minced options which can taste bland.
- Cook Al Dente: Ensure your fettuccine is cooked al dente; this helps maintain its texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook, adjusting salt and pepper according to your preference for seasoning.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque; overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir well after adding pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated with sauce and flavors.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To create a well-rounded meal, consider these side dishes that pair beautifully with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds elegance and vibrant color to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a nutty flavor that complements the shrimp nicely.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring brightness to the meal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness and crunch that’s delightful alongside pasta.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb option, serve zoodles as an alternative base to pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the dish’s final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking fettuccine for too long can result in mushy noodles. Always follow the package instructions and taste for doneness.
- Using pre-cooked shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp won’t absorb the garlic and butter flavors as well. Opt for raw shrimp and cook them until they are opaque.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season the dish properly can lead to bland flavors. Don’t skip adding salt and pepper, or adjusting to your taste as needed.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of key ingredients like butter or cheese can throw off the balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Skipping the lemon juice: The acidity from lemon juice brightens up the dish. Always include it for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container on medium power, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan, heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that might help you make this delicious dish even better.
What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter served over fettuccine pasta, flavored with lemon and parmesan.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types such as linguine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free alternatives.
How can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding red pepper flakes for spice, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, a comforting dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy fettuccine, and a zesty garlic-butter sauce. Perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to romantic date nights—this easy recipe is both quick to prepare and a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The combination of fresh lemon juice and parmesan cheese elevates this dish with brightness and depth, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ lemon (juice and zest)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan over medium heat, add cooking oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Melt butter in the same pan, then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn opaque (4-6 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the shrimp mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve garnished with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
