Fusion Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a classic, rich, and flavourful dish that comes together in under 20 minutes. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a fragrant garlic and butter sauce, then tossed with tender pasta, fresh lemon, and parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal at home.


Ingredients

  • Pasta: 8 oz (225g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic: 4–5 cloves, finely minced
  • Lemon: 1 fresh lemon (juiced, plus zest for extra flavour)
  • Seasoning:
    • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Cheese: ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions & Method

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. Sear the Shrimp:

    Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
  4. Combine & Toss:

    Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir. Add the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Finish & Serve:

    Remove from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss well, garnish with lemon zest, and serve warm!


Tips for Best Results

  • Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly (1 to 2 minutes per side). Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and form a "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
  • Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the melted butter, oil, and cheese, creating a smooth sauce that sticks nicely to the noodles.
  • Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped garlic make a huge difference in brightness and flavour compared to pre-packaged or bottled versions.



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