If you're on the hunt for a quick yet indulgent meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy, look no further than this Garlic Butter Shrimp Spaghetti! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that's bursting with flavor, featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with al dente spaghetti. Whether it's a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready to dive into a plate of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it starts to shimmer and become slightly golden.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with shrimp. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring each serving has an equal amount of shrimp.
Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them! They should turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of pasta water before draining your spaghetti. This starchy water can help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love a kick, don't hesitate to add more!
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Try using fresh basil for a different twist!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it right away to savor the buttery goodness while it’s still warm and delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
