Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Parmesan
This effortlessly impressive pasta dish is brimming with tender shrimp, golden sautéed garlic, and a zesty lemon-Parmesan finish. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it came from a high-end bistro—but it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti or linguine | 8 oz |
| Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 5 |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp or to taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | From ½ lemon |
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti or linguine until al dente. Drain, saving about ½ cup of the cooking water for later.
2. Season the Shrimp
Toss the cleaned shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
3. Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.
5. Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta, Parmesan, lemon juice, and the final tablespoon of butter. Gently toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and serve warm. For extra brightness, squeeze a bit more lemon over each serving or sprinkle with additional Parmesan.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Creamy version: Mix in a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a more indulgent sauce.
- Add vegetables: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli make excellent additions.
- Change it up: Substitute shrimp with scallops, grilled chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.
