Serves: 2–3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly until combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Kitchen Tip:
For extra flavor, finish the pasta with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and balance.
Quick, filling and full of flavor, this garlic butter shrimp pasta is an easy recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a casual weekend dinner.