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garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A rich and creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta that combines the flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting texture of a homemade pasta dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 640 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Colander

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 12 ounces pasta fettuccine or linguine
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1/4 cup white wine

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  • In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Combine and Serve

  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
  • Return the shrimp to the skillet, mixing gently to combine. Ensure the shrimp are evenly distributed.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Storage

  • Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Ingredient Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. How to Serve: Pair with a crisp salad and garlic bread. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before mixing with pasta.
Keyword creamy shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta recipe, garlic butter shrimp pasta