Garlic butter shrimp pasta

Here’s a rich, flavorful, and easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with clear step-by-step directions. It’s restaurant-style but totally doable at home.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Description

Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with tender pasta, a light lemony sauce, and fresh herbs. Simple, comforting, and packed with flavor.

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Preparation Details

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 20 minutes

• Serves: 3–4

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Ingredients

Pasta

• 250 g spaghetti or linguine

• Water for boiling

• 1 tablespoon salt

Shrimp

• 400 g shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Extra butter for finishing

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

2. Add salt.

3. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

5. Drain pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Season the shrimp

1. Place shrimp in a bowl.

2. Add salt, black pepper, paprika or chili flakes, and olive oil.

3. Toss until evenly coated.

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Step 3: Cook the shrimp

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add olive oil.

3. Add shrimp in a single layer.

4. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

5. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce

1. In the same pan, lower heat to medium-low.

2. Add butter and olive oil.

3. Once melted, add minced garlic and chili flakes.

4. Sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.

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Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

1. Add cooked pasta to the pan.

2. Pour in reserved pasta water.

3. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly.

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Step 6: Add shrimp and finish

1. Return shrimp to the pan.

2. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley.

3. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes.

4. Adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Add grated Parmesan if using.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with extra parsley or Parmesan.

• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

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Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery.

• Use fresh garlic for best flavor.

• Pasta water helps create a silky sauce.

• Add cream if you prefer a richer version.