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This one-pan garlic butter shrimp pasta has saved so many hectic weeknights in my house. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The combination of fresh garlic, butter, and lemon juice creates a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. My family loves how the shrimp soak up all those flavors. It’s simple, classic, and never fails to impress—even on nights when I barely have time to cook.
What You’ll Need
- Shrimp: 500g large, peeled, and deveined for easy eating.
- Pasta: 250g of spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons for a rich sauce base.
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced, for bold flavor.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons for brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, optional for a touch of heat.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti or linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything with lemon juice and reserved pasta water until coated.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of garlic bread.
A Few Kitchen Secrets
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes per side to stay tender. I always reserve some pasta water; it’s the key to a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Fresh lemon juice makes a world of difference, so skip the bottled stuff!
What to Serve With It
We love pairing this dish with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed asparagus or a fresh green bean salad. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
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Customizing the Recipe
This dish is so versatile. Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein. My kids love when I add cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness. You can also toss in spinach or arugula for extra greens—it wilts perfectly into the warm pasta.
Saving Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the shrimp can lose its texture.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Use dried parsley or skip it altogether. Can I make it dairy-free? Replace the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
Why Everyone Loves It
This recipe hits all the right notes—it’s quick, flavorful, and feels indulgent without being heavy. The combination of garlicky shrimp and buttery pasta is irresistible, and it’s fancy enough to serve guests but simple enough for a weeknight.
A Year-Round Favorite
This pasta is perfect any time of year. In summer, I serve it with fresh garden vegetables, while in winter, it’s a cozy meal that brings a little sunshine to the table. No matter the season, it’s always a hit in my home.
A Recipe to Keep
After trying so many garlic butter shrimp recipes, this one has become my go-to. It’s easy, adaptable, and always delivers. Whether I’m cooking for my family or impressing guests, this dish never fails to shine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
- Yes, you can coat the chicken in batter several hours before cooking. Keep refrigerated until ready to coat with breadcrumbs and air fry.
- → How do I make sure the chicken is extra crispy?
- Double coat the chicken by dipping the breaded pieces back in the batter and then in Panko breadcrumbs again for maximum crispiness.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
- You can adjust the hot sauce amount and Sechuan chili flakes in both the chicken coating and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- → Why cook in batches?
- It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
- Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve with the chicken.