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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen works)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta (gluten-free pasta can be swapped in)
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) pasta water before draining and set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, toss 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then add 5 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Slowly stir in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for extra silkiness. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream. Fresh garlic is key for flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy garlic butter shrimp, easy dinner, garlic butter sauce, fettuccine, linguine, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-flavorful-dinner-idea/