Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Dry shrimp sear better.
2. Season both sides with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and if you like, a dash of chili flakes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the butter melts and sizzles, add the shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking—they should stay juicy.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—it will taste bitter.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and if the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated.
2. Return the shrimp to the pan and gently toss everything together.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the pasta and shrimp in bowls or on a serving dish.
2. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and add a wedge of lemon for a bright, zesty finish.
3. Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for an even creamier bite.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp size matters: Medium or large shrimp work best for this dish—they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: It helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
• Fresh garlic vs. powdered garlic: Fresh garlic is key—it gives a strong, aromatic flavor that can’t be matched by powdered garlic.
• Optional add-ins: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can make this dish heartier and more colorful.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is rich, garlicky, and comforting, yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing someone special, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you want, I can also create a visual step-by-step guide with images for each stage, so you can literally see how it should look while cooking. It’s almost like having a mini recipe book!

Do you want me to do that?