Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

Introduction
Craving a luxurious pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor? This garlic butter shrimp pasta is creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced with tender shrimp and spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Easy to prepare yet impressive, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s bring restaurant-quality dining to your home!

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and tender, not rubbery.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is an easy yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The rich, buttery sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp and tender pasta is simply irresistible. Try this recipe tonight and experience a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.

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