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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with tender pasta and fresh arugula, finished with Parmesan and parsley for a perfect weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian