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To make creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta, you will need: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste These extras can take your dish to the next level: - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish If you need alternatives, here are some good options: - Use spaghetti or penne instead of fettuccine - Swap large shrimp for smaller shrimp or scallops - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter twist First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine pasta to the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. Once done, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Now, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. This step adds great flavor. Then, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt completely. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where you create the creamy base. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a fresh kick. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce to coat it well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve your desired consistency. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently stir everything together to combine all the flavors. To make the best pasta, cook it just right. Boil salted water and add the fettuccine. Follow the package guide, but check it a minute early. You want it al dente, which means firm yet tender. After cooking, save some pasta water. This step helps adjust the sauce later. The sauce is key to this dish. Start with melted butter and garlic. Cook the garlic until it smells great, but don’t burn it. Add heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in grated Parmesan until it melts. The cheese adds richness. Finally, a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor. For juicy shrimp, don’t overcook them. Sauté in hot butter until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a kick. Remove them promptly from the pan to keep them tender. Mixing them back in at the end keeps their flavor fresh. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely and adds some green. You can also use cherry tomatoes. They bring sweetness and color. For a crunch, try bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic before you add the shrimp. This adds more flavor and nutrients to your meal. While Parmesan is classic, you can switch it up. Try using feta for a tangy twist. It pairs well with shrimp. You can also opt for mozzarella for a creamy melt. If you like a stronger taste, use aged cheddar. Each cheese will change the dish's flavor profile, giving you new tastes to explore. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and toss them in with the garlic. For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika. This adds depth and warmth to the dish. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! You can store leftover creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just take it out and check for any changes. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it away. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. This helps save space in your freezer. Frozen pasta can last up to three months. Just remember to label it with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat your pasta, there are a few options to reheat it. You can use the microwave for quick heating. Just add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For a stovetop method, place it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often and add a little water if needed. This helps keep the creamy texture. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Fettuccine is great, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine work well too. Just cook the pasta according to its package instructions. Each type gives a unique taste and texture. To lighten this dish, use less butter and cream. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You can also use whole grain pasta for extra fiber. Adding more veggies can help make it lighter and healthier too. You can use several options instead of heavy cream. Full-fat coconut milk is a good choice for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt can add creaminess while cutting calories. You can also use evaporated milk for a lighter option. Yes, this creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate if possible. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth for moisture. This post covered a rich pasta dish packed with flavor. We explored key ingredients, from must-haves to tasty swaps. I shared simple steps for cooking pasta and shrimp, plus making a creamy sauce. You picked up tips for perfect texture and flavor, ensuring success. We also looked at adding veggies and cheese for fun twists. Finally, I discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently whip up a delicious meal that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, velvety sauce that's perfect for a quick dinner. With just a few simple ingredients like fettuccine, garlic, and Parmesan, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family or guests tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the lemon juice and mix thoroughly.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to combine everything.

          Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

            Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4