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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, and perfectly seared shrimp. Perfect for busy weeknights and beginner cooks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they just start to soften and blister.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan along with cooked pasta. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems dry. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a good sear. Use fresh garlic and sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Simmer cherry tomatoes gently to keep a juicy pop. You can substitute gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, and use olive or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick pasta recipe, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, beginner friendly

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-beginners/