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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta
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A quick and comforting Garlic Shrimp Pasta combining succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter with a creamy, flavorful sauce tossed with tender pasta. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy-to-make dish offers a rich, silky texture and can be customized to suit various tastes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasonings

  • 12 oz fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter (plus extra if needed)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Sauté the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  3. Cook the garlic: In the same pan, add a little extra butter or olive oil if needed, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to keep the flavor mellow and sweet.
  4. Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring it to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine everything: Return the shrimp to the pan, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together well, adding grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Season and serve: Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if needed to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for superior flavor versus powdered or pre-minced alternatives.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta without watering it down.
  • Simmer the cream gently to avoid curdling and maintain a silky smooth texture.
  • Serve immediately as shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked or reheated excessively.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner, garlic butter shrimp, shrimp pasta recipe, Italian shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/garlic-shrimp-pasta/