Garlic Shrimp Pasta Butter

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Butter is one of those weeknight dinners that manages to taste restaurant fancy while still using simple ingredients from the pantry and freezer racks. The shrimp cook up juicy and just a little bit crisp against slick, flavorful pasta ribbons while the garlic butter sauce pulls everything together into an irresistible dish.

Every time I make this, the house smells incredible and it always feels like a treat It became my go-to for family birthdays because everyone fights for the leftovers

Ingredients

• Medium shrimp cleaned and deveined: Plump shrimp offer sweet flavor and pleasant texture Select wild-caught or sustainable if possible
• Spaghetti: Any long pasta works for soaking up buttery garlic flavor Choose bronze cut or high quality for the best bite
• Fresh garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the pasta with deep aroma and flavor Go for big firm cloves for best results
• Unsalted butter: Butter creates a rich silky base for the sauce Always use unsalted for better control of seasoning
• Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps sauté everything evenly Pick a good quality extra virgin oil if you can
• Italian seasoning: Offers earthy herby notes Check for fresh pungent aroma in your blend
• Freshly ground black pepper: Balances the butteriness with savoriness Grind just before using
• Red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle lift of heat Add more for extra kick
• Fine sea salt: Brings out all the other flavors Fine grains melt into the sauce quickly
• Fresh chopped herbs: Parsley or basil bring brightness and color Use whatever fresh herbs look lively at the market

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and toss in some fresh herbs if you like Add spaghetti to the bubbling water and stir now and then Cook until tender but still slightly firm to the bite usually about nine to eleven minutes Use tongs to lift out some pasta water about one cup then set aside Drain pasta and keep it ready

Prepare Shrimp:

While pasta cooks rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry well with paper towels This ensures they brown in the pan instead of just steaming

Cook Shrimp:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter Once melted and bubbly add the shrimp in a single layer Let them cook untouched until the color just starts to turn pink and the edges begin to curl About two to three minutes

Sauté Garlic with Shrimp:

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sauté with shrimp for five to seven more minutes Stir now and then so garlic softens and the shrimp become opaque and cooked through Watch closely so none of the garlic browns too fast

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Drizzle more olive oil into the skillet and add the cooked spaghetti Gently toss with shrimp then sprinkle Italian seasoning black pepper red pepper flakes and salt as you like Pour in a small amount of reserved pasta water just enough to moisten the mixture Add extra if pasta looks dry

Toss and Serve:

Continue tossing everything over medium heat for a couple minutes You want the pasta bathed evenly in flavorful garlicky butter sauce Scatter fresh herbs across the top and serve right away For extra richness grate a little parmesan on top and drizzle with more olive oil

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My favorite part is using really fragrant flat leaf parsley at the end It reminds me of the summer nights my sister and I learned to make this for our parents Now no dinner party is complete without it

Storage Tips

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over low heat and stir gently until just warmed through This keeps the pasta from drying out Avoid microwaving for too long as shrimp can become rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap spaghetti for linguine angel hair or even short pasta like penne If you only have pre-cooked frozen shrimp toss them in at the very end to just heat through instead of sautéing them You could use a vegan butter and sturdy mushrooms for a vegetarian spin Fresh lemon zest adds a nice spark if you do not have fresh herbs

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Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccolini for freshness Thick slices of toasted sourdough soaked in the garlicky sauce are always a hit For extra celebration open a bottle of chilled white wine and add a wedge of lemon to each plate

Cultural Note

Garlic shrimp pasta draws inspiration from classic Italian scampi and is a staple in coastal kitchens all across the Mediterranean Every cook puts their own spin on it which is part of the fun I first tasted a version at a seaside trattoria where locals taught me the power of really good aromatic olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Medium shrimp, deveined and peeled, offer the right balance of tenderness and flavor. Larger shrimp may require slightly longer cooking.

→ Can I use another pasta shape?

Spaghetti is classic, but linguine or fettuccine absorb the buttery sauce well. Short pasta shapes will also work if desired.

→ Is it important to save pasta water?

Yes, reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and ensures the pasta is coated smoothly for the best texture.

→ Which herbs pair best?

Fresh parsley, basil, or chives add color and a burst of flavor. Add them just before serving for maximum freshness.

→ How can I enhance the flavor further?

Finish the dish with freshly grated parmesan and a final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for extra depth and richness.