Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Buttery Shrimp and Pasta recipe is not just a meal - it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Get ready to become the kitchen hero you've always dreamed of being!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or linguine), 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 tablespoons of butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Pour in the 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the shrimp and sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, plate the buttery shrimp and pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious buttery shrimp and pasta!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Watch your shrimp closely while cooking. They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly - overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients bind together beautifully.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter. The moment it becomes fragrant and light golden, it's ready.
- Flavor Boosting: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for garnishing - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
