Creating a delicious and savory meal in just three easy steps sounds almost too good to be true, but with the right recipe and a little bit of preparation, it’s entirely possible. Here’s a full method in 500 words to guide you through making a simple yet satisfying dish: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. This recipe combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set it aside. The reserved pasta water will help thin the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce and Combine
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to reduce slightly. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion:
With these three straightforward steps—cooking the pasta, sautéing the shrimp, and making a garlic butter sauce—you’ve created a savory and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough for special occasions. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!
