Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Delight
Indulge in this captivating Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Delight, a sumptuous weeknight meal that comes together in a flash once your shrimp are prepped. With succulent, large shrimp bathed in a rich garlic-infused olive oil, this dish combines zesty lemon and a splash of white wine to create a delightful medley of flavors. Perfectly al dente pasta serves as the ideal canvas, while the addition of vibrant green peas (if desired) makes it a wholesome and complete meal. You can also serve it over rice, on a crusty baguette, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying experience. Inspired by Lucinda Scala Quinn’s “Mad Hungry,” this recipe promises to impress your family and guests alike.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
1 lb (Cooked al dente)
Salt
1 pinch (Generous amount for cooking pasta)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing shrimp)
Large shrimp
2 lbs (Peeled and deveined)
Ground black pepper
1 pinch (Freshly ground, for seasoning shrimp)
Garlic cloves
5 large (Minced)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Or 1 tsp minced fresh hot red pepper)
Lemon zest
1 1/2 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
White wine
1/4 cup (For deglazing)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For finishing)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt, then introduce the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat the surface. Allow the oil to heat slightly before adding the shrimp in a single layer. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
3
3. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp to cook the other side.
4
4. Once flipped, immediately add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes; be cautious not to burn the garlic or overcook the shrimp.
5
5. Now, introduce the lemon zest and white wine, stirring gently to reduce the wine for a minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
6. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water into the pan. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
7
7. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and freshly chopped parsley, allowing the residual heat to melt the butter and combine the ingredients thoroughly.
8
8. Taste your creation and adjust with additional salt or pepper if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
11.6g
Fat
35g
Carbs
25.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Delight?
It is a sumptuous weeknight meal featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic-infused olive oil with lemon and white wine.
How many calories are in a serving of this shrimp pasta?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
How much shrimp do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What kind of pasta should I use?
You should use 1 lb of your preferred pasta, cooked al dente.
How much garlic is included in this dish?
The recipe calls for 5 large cloves of minced garlic.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of minced fresh hot red pepper for heat.
What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken broth or extra lemon juice as a substitute for the 1/4 cup of white wine.
How do I prepare the lemon for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest and the juice of one whole lemon.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water helps to create a smooth sauce and bind the ingredients to the pasta.
How long should I cook the shrimp?
Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes until pink and opaque, then flip and continue briefly.
When do I add the butter?
Stir in the 1 tablespoon of butter at the very end after removing the pan from the heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, once the shrimp are prepped, the dish comes together very quickly in a single sauté pan.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, adding vibrant green peas is suggested to make it a more wholesome and complete meal.
What else can I serve this shrimp with besides pasta?
It can be served over rice, on a crusty baguette, or enjoyed on its own.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 11.6g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There is a high protein content of 25.8g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Lucinda Scala Quinn’s cookbook, “Mad Hungry.”
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the shrimp?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of parsley should I use?
Use 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley leaves for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the minced garlic constantly for only 1-2 minutes and be careful not to overcook it.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 12 distinct ingredients.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, provided they are thawed, peeled, and deveined before you begin cooking.
Is this dish considered Italian?
Yes, it is tagged as an Italian-style seafood and pasta dish.
How do I know the pasta is al dente?
Follow the package instructions and test for a firm, chewy texture.
Should I season the shrimp while cooking?
Yes, season the shrimp with freshly ground black pepper once they are in the sauté pan.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While lemon is traditional for scampi-style dishes, lime can be used for a different citrus profile.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Add the white wine to the hot pan after flipping the shrimp and stir gently to loosen any browned bits.
Is this a good recipe for guests?
Absolutely, its impressive presentation and gourmet flavors make it great for entertaining.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard pasta with your favorite gluten-free alternative.