Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A classic meal, Garlic Shrimp Pasta, blends juicy shrimp with a creamy garlic-infused sauce over freshly cooked pasta. This recipe is easy but delicious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions. Lemon and fresh herbs add flavour to the garlic butter sauce, making it balanced and delicious enough to make everyone want seconds.

Ingredients

For Shrimp:

  1. 1 lb (450 g) peeled, deveined big prawns
  2. Three tablespoons olive oil
  3. 4 minced garlic cloves
  4. 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional heat)
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. One lemon juice
  7. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

As for pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) linguine, spaghetti, or favorite pasta
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 more minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1-cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • One lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Shrimp

Season Shrimp:

  • Mix prawns with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt and pepper in a big bowl. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook Shrimp:

  • Heat a big skillet on medium-high. Place marinated prawns in a single layer in the skillet.
  • Shrimp should be pink and opaque after 2 minutes on each side. Avoid overcooking.
  • Cover prawns with 1 lemon juice and toss.
  • Set aside the prawns from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

2. Cook pasta

Boil pasta:

  • Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente per package instructions.
  • Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and reserve pasta.

3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Sauté garlic:

  • In the same skillet as the prawns, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Sauté the additional minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Deglaze Pan:

  • Stir in white wine or chicken stock to deglaze and scrape away browned pieces.
  • Simmer for 3–4 minutes to halve the liquid.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

  • Mix in heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Keep simmering for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper the sauce to taste.

4. Mix and serve

  • Toss pasta: Put cooked pasta in the skillet with garlic butter. Stir pasta to coat evenly in sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add some saved pasta water.
  • Add Shrimp: Put the cooked prawns back in the skillet and gently stir.

Serve with garnish

  • Add more lemon juice and fresh parsley if desired.
  • Garlic Shrimp Pasta should be served hot with additional Parmesan on the side.

Tips for Success

  • Fresh, big prawns are preferable for this dish. Thaw frozen prawns before cooking.
  • Shrimp cooking: Cook until pink and opaque. Too much cooking makes them chewy.
  • Chicken broth can replace wine and add rich flavour.
  • Pasta Water: Starchy pasta water makes a smooth, pasta-clinging sauce. You may manage sauce thickness by adding it slowly.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for more heat.
  • Bread: Crusty garlic bread is wonderful for mopping up excess sauce with this dish.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta combines the sweetness of shrimp, the richness of butter and cream, and the brightness of garlic and lemon. This recipe will become a kitchen favorite whether you’re preparing for a crowd or alone. Enjoy!

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