Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with a luxurious lemon butter sauce, crowned with succulent, tender shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with its perfect balance of zesty, creamy, and savory flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/4 cup of butter, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for about a minute.
- When the pasta is ready, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and lemon butter sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the skillet, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the pasta, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, plate the lemon butter shrimp pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta warm!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just to al dente. The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand.
- Shrimp Timing is Everything: Don't overcook your shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor. If possible, opt for European-style butter with a higher fat content.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley. The brightness of fresh ingredients makes a world of difference.
- Quick Serving: Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious. The magic of this dish is in its immediate presentation.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce for added complexity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 434kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 145mg
