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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting yet elegant meal uses simple ingredients to deliver rich flavors that appeal to the entire family. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it offers a versatile and satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp & Butter

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed peeled shrimp
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided

Garlic & Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Sauce & Pasta

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then set both aside.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt half of the butter. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  4. Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with some reserved pasta water.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in fresh lemon juice and season generously with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use medium to large shrimp for the best texture and bite.
  • Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn opaque to prevent overcooking.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for a smoother and richer sauce rather than using pre-grated cheese.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if needed and help it cling to the noodles.
  • Sauté garlic only until fragrant to avoid any bitterness that can overpower the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Seafood Pasta, Comfort Food