Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups baby arugula or spinach
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in batches if necessary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine and Finish: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the cooked pasta, baby arugula, and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir together until the arugula begins to wilt, about 2 minutes. Then stir the cooked shrimp back into the skillet to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Immediately plate the pasta and shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use any long pasta you prefer such as linguine or spaghetti if fettuccine is unavailable.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Baby spinach can be substituted for arugula depending on your preference.
- For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream when combining the pasta and butter.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian