20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Weeknights can be hectic, and finding the time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal often feels like a Herculean task. Like many busy families, we’re always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and, most importantly, crowd-pleasing. Enter the 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. From the moment the aroma of garlic and butter filled our kitchen, we knew this recipe was a winner. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devoured it with gusto, and my partner and I were equally impressed by the simplicity and flavor punch this dish delivers. It’s become a regular in our rotation – a go-to meal when time is short but the craving for something delicious is strong. If you’re searching for a weeknight wonder that’s bursting with flavor and ready in a flash, look no further. This garlic butter shrimp pasta is about to become your new favorite, too.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this incredibly flavorful and quick pasta dish. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Pasta is the base of our dish, providing a comforting and satisfying carbohydrate element.
• Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp is the star protein, cooking quickly and absorbing all the delicious garlic butter flavors.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Butter is crucial for richness and flavor, creating the luscious sauce we all crave.
• Garlic: 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is the aromatic backbone of this dish, providing a pungent and savory flavor.
• Dry White Wine (Optional): ¼ cup of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. White wine adds a layer of acidity and depth to the sauce, but can be omitted if preferred.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more to taste). Red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the finished dish.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, adding acidity and freshness to cut through the richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Salt and pepper are essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring the dish together.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and shrimp, providing a healthy fat base.
• Pasta Water: Reserved from cooking the pasta. Pasta water is the secret ingredient to emulsifying the sauce, making it creamy and clingy.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta masterpiece. It’s easier than you think!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside. Starting the pasta first ensures it’s ready around the same time as the shrimp and sauce, maximizing efficiency.
2. Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sautéing the garlic in olive oil first releases its aroma and infuses the oil with flavor, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
3. Add Butter and Red Pepper Flakes: Reduce the heat to low-medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt completely and swirl together with the garlic and olive oil. Stir in the red pepper flakes. Melting the butter after the garlic ensures it doesn’t burn and creates a rich, flavorful butter base. Red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the garlic butter.
4. Add Shrimp and Cook: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Cooking the shrimp quickly over medium-high heat ensures they are tender and juicy, not rubbery. Cooking in a single layer promotes even cooking.
5. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Deglazing with white wine adds a layer of acidity and flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the sauce.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity, while parsley provides freshness and visual appeal.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to combine, coating the pasta evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Tossing the pasta immediately after cooking ensures it absorbs the sauce flavors while still warm.
8. Add Pasta Water to Emulsify: Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, tossing constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You may not need to use all the pasta water. The pasta water helps to create a creamy and emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. Pasta water is key to creating a smooth, emulsified sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce together, making it creamy and preventing it from being oily.
9. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Seasoning at the end allows you to adjust the flavors to your preference and ensures the dish is perfectly balanced.

Nutrition Facts

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of the 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-750 calories
• Protein: 35-40 grams

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary.

Preparation Time

This recipe truly lives up to its name! From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in about 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (for mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and peeling shrimp if necessary)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking pasta and shrimp)
• Total Time: 20 minutes

This quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or anytime you need a flavorful meal in a hurry.

How to Serve

This versatile pasta dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of delicious sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers add a healthy and flavorful vegetable component to the meal.
• Steamed Greens: Steamed spinach, kale, or green beans offer a quick and nutritious side dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with extra lemon wedges for those who like to add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling over the pasta for added cheesy flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like extra heat, provide extra crushed red pepper flakes at the table.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Elevate your 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta to the next level with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp: The quality of your shrimp significantly impacts the flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp if possible. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Fresh shrimp will have a better texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender and juicy, not overcooked and dry.
• Mince the Garlic Finely: Finely minced garlic cooks evenly and releases its flavor into the butter and oil. Avoid using pre-minced garlic in jars, as it often lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of freshly minced garlic. Freshly minced garlic provides a much stronger and more vibrant flavor compared to jarred minced garlic.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Pasta water is the secret to a creamy and emulsified sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce and create a luscious coating for the pasta. Pasta water is an essential ingredient for achieving the perfect sauce consistency and should not be discarded.
• Adjust the Heat to Your Preference: The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes provides a mild heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the spice level allows you to customize the dish to your personal taste preferences.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or zucchini. Sauté them with the garlic or add them towards the end of cooking. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value and adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. Add them at the end of cooking for the freshest flavor. Different herbs can add unique flavor profiles and aromatic complexity to the pasta dish.
• Make it Creamier: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the very end of cooking, just before serving. Adding cream creates a richer and more decadent sauce, perfect for those who prefer a creamier pasta.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you might have about making 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and patting them dry helps them brown nicely in the pan.

Q2: What if I don’t have white wine?
A: No problem! The white wine is optional. You can simply omit it, or substitute it with a splash of chicken broth or extra lemon juice for a bit of acidity.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with various pasta shapes. Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, and even angel hair pasta are all great choices. Choose your favorite!

Q4: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Sauté the garlic over medium to medium-low heat and watch it closely. Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter. Sauté it until it’s fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.

Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: It’s best to enjoy this pasta dish fresh, as the shrimp is best when cooked just before serving. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time (mince garlic, chop parsley, thaw shrimp) to save time on the day of cooking.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this pasta?
A: Yes, Parmesan cheese is a classic pairing with garlic butter shrimp pasta. You can grate Parmesan cheese over the finished dish or stir some into the sauce for extra cheesy flavor.

Q8: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes provides a mild heat. If you are sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is more than just a quick meal; it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From busy weeknights to casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the deliciousness and simplicity of this culinary gem!

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