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- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges for serving - Salt - Black pepper Gather these ingredients for a quick and tasty meal. Start with 8 ounces of spaghetti pasta. This will be our base. You’ll need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. The shrimp add great flavor and protein. Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided, to give a rich taste. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic brings warmth and aroma to the dish. For creaminess, you’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Don't forget 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add depth and a cheesy finish. For a bit of heat, use 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but this is optional. You can sprinkle in 1/4 cup of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Lastly, have lemon wedges ready for serving. The lemon brightens up the dish. Now, season with salt and black pepper to taste. This will enhance all the flavors. With these ingredients, you are on your way to making a delightful garlic butter shrimp pasta! 1. First, fill a big pot with water. 2. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. 3. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti. 4. Cook until the spaghetti is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 5. After cooking, drain the pasta. Make sure to save 1/2 cup of pasta water. 1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 2. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and optional red pepper flakes. 3. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells good. 4. Then, add 1 pound of peeled shrimp, seasoning with salt and black pepper. 5. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. 6. When cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. 1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. 2. Once melted, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. 3. Let the cream simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken a bit. 4. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. 5. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water until you like it. 1. Return the cooked spaghetti and shrimp to the skillet. 2. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are coated with the sauce. 3. Add 1/4 cup of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. 1. Plate the creamy shrimp pasta in bowls. 2. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. 3. The lemon adds a nice zing to the dish! To make the best pasta, avoid overcooking. Cook spaghetti until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. If you cook it too long, it becomes mushy. Always check the package for cooking times. When draining the pasta, save some water. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce later. If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine. For a smooth cream sauce, keep an eye on the consistency. You want it thick but pourable. If it gets too thick, add the reserved pasta water. Stir in small amounts until you reach the right texture. You can also mix in different cheese options. Try adding mozzarella or cream cheese for a twist. Each cheese gives a unique flavor to the dish. Experiment to find what you like best. To know when shrimp is done, watch for color changes. They should turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Undercooking is better, as they will cook more in the sauce. To avoid rubbery shrimp, do not overcook them. Shrimp cooks quickly, so stay attentive. If they curl tightly, they are overdone. Keep a close eye to get them just right. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using chicken instead of shrimp. Simply cut the chicken into small pieces and sauté until golden. If you like seafood, scallops are another great choice. They cook quickly and add a nice flavor. Don't forget to adjust cooking times. Also, consider adding vegetables for extra nutrients. Spinach wilts nicely in the creamy sauce. Asparagus adds a nice crunch. Just chop it into small pieces and cook it with the shrimp. You can play with flavors in this dish. Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a new taste. If you want a little kick, use more red pepper flakes. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet, tangy twist. Chop them up and mix them in the sauce. Olives can also add a briny flavor. Just slice them and stir them in before serving. Experimenting with flavors makes this dish fun and unique. If you're watching carbs, try making this dish low-carb. Use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti. They add a fresh taste and are easy to cook. You can spiralize zucchini to get the noodle shape. For those who need a dairy-free option, you can swap the heavy cream. Use coconut milk for a rich base. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. These adaptations let everyone enjoy this dish! To keep your creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any strong odors from your fridge. It will last for about 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to keep it moist. If you prefer stovetop, add a splash of water or cream to the pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently until warm. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for about 2 months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. After it's thawed, reheat as mentioned before. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! To make creamy shrimp pasta from scratch, start by cooking your spaghetti in salted boiling water. Once it's al dente, drain it but save some pasta water. In a skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until pink, then set them aside. In the same skillet, add more butter and heavy cream. Let it simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Finally, combine the pasta and shrimp in the sauce and toss well. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This will save you time and still give you great flavor. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half mixed with a little butter. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Another choice is to mix milk with cornstarch to thicken it. This gives a rich texture without using heavy cream. To add spice to this dish, include more red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your spice level. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce while cooking. For more heat, consider using fresh chopped chili peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Yes, it is safe to reheat shrimp pasta. Just be careful not to overheat it, as shrimp can become rubbery. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it gently until warmed through. This blog post covered a simple, delicious creamy shrimp pasta recipe. We explored key ingredients like spaghetti, shrimp, butter, and heavy cream, as well as optional add-ins like red pepper flakes and parsley. I shared easy step-by-step instructions and offered tips to elevate your dish. Remember, you can customize it with different proteins and flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy creating this meal, and don’t forget to store any leftovers properly. With a few simple techniques, you will impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.

Creamy 20 Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of this creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta, ready in just 20 minutes! Perfectly sautéed shrimp, garlic, and a rich cream sauce create a dish that's both comforting and impressive. This easy recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner that's sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe, gather your ingredients, and elevate your dinner plans tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces spaghetti pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant, being cautious not to burn it.

      Add Shrimp: Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate, leaving any remaining juices in the skillet.

        Create the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it has melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Mix in Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Combine Everything: Return the cooked spaghetti and sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are fully coated with the creamy sauce. Finally, incorporate the chopped parsley for added freshness.

              Serve: Plate the creamy shrimp pasta in bowls and garnish with extra parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch that enhances the dish's flavors.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings