How to Create Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in Simple English
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make? Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta ticks all those boxes! Packed with tender shrimp, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip it up! In this blog, I’ll guide you on how to make this scrumptious dish step by step in simple English.
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients. For creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta, you’ll need the following:
Ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound (peeled and deveined)
- Pasta: 12 ounces (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (unsalted works best)
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves (minced)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (grated)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a little heat
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon juice: 1-2 teaspoons (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s start cooking! Follow these simple steps for a tasty dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the pasta. Once the water begins to boil, add your pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes for spaghetti or fettuccine).
When the pasta is cooked to your preferred tenderness, drain it, but save about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will help bind the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to focus on the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel, then season them lightly with salt, black pepper, and, if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside; don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic burn!
Next, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with a little salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Now it’s time to combine all the goodness! Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them gently in the creamy garlic butter sauce to coat. Squeeze in a little lemon juice (1-2 teaspoons) for brightness—it balances the richness of the dish.
Next, toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, just a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Use tongs to mix everything together so the pasta absorbs the sauce evenly.
Step 5: Final Touches
To finish your creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness. If you like extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes as a garnish.
Serve the pasta hot, straight from the skillet. Don’t forget to grate a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure—it makes the dish irresistible!
Helpful Tips
- Choose good-quality shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp will work, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined to save time.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat low when cooking it in butter.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so freshly grating the cheese is worth the effort.
- Customize your pasta: You can swap spaghetti or fettuccine with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is perfect because it combines simple ingredients into a luxurious dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing a date, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get started! Once you taste the creamy sauce paired with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, you’ll want to make this dish again and again. Happy cooking!
