shrimp meal ideas
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines succulent shrimp with pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Colander
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cooking tongs
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional
- salt To taste
- black pepper To taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- grated Parmesan cheese For serving, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
Notes
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.