Description
Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with minimal effort. Creamy, herbed sauce and perfectly seared shrimp create a quick gourmet meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp
- 12 ounces (12 oz) fettuccine
- 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 lemon juice
- 1/4 lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) cooking oil
- sea salt
- black pepper
Garnish and Optional:
(None)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of water, generously salting it for enhanced pasta flavor. Bring to a rolling boil at high heat, around 212°F.
- Cook fettuccine for approximately 10 minutes until perfectly al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract and reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm cooking oil over medium temperature, approximately 350°F. Introduce finely chopped garlic, sautéing delicately for two minutes until aromatic without scorching.
- Incorporate butter into the skillet, allowing complete melting. Arrange shrimp in a uniform layer, ensuring maximum surface contact for even cooking.
- Gently sauté shrimp for 4-6 minutes, flipping periodically. Watch for visual transformation: shrimp turning opaque and curling into characteristic “C” shapes signaling perfect doneness.
- Introduce lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a harmonious, velvety sauce. Utilize reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Transfer cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, using tongs to meticulously coat pasta with shrimp and sauce, ensuring comprehensive distribution.
- Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the dish, adding vibrant color and subtle herbal complexity to the rich preparation.
Notes
- Prevent shrimp from overcooking by watching for the “C” curl and opaque color, which signals perfectly cooked seafood.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding pre-minced versions that can taste less vibrant and aromatic.
- Keep pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, helping create a silky, smooth texture without compromising flavor.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the dish’s delicious essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg