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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Close-up of shrimp scampi pasta with lemon, garlic, and parsley, a perfect example of Simple Dinner Ideas.
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A fast and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp coated in garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Pour white wine or broth into the skillet. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Stir in lemon juice. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat.
  7. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently. Stir in fresh parsley.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
  • If you do not have white wine, use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
  • For a richer sauce, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter, quick dinner, easy seafood, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/simple-dinner-ideas-shrimp-pasta/