Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you today: savory garlic butter shrimp linguine! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and it never fails to impress. Picture this: succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. It’s a dish I whip up on busy weeknights when I want something quick yet satisfying, and it always makes the house smell heavenly! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, too. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the deliciousness of this easy pasta recipe!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering savory garlic butter shrimp linguine. I promise these ingredients are easy to find, and you might even have some of them already in your kitchen!
- 8 oz linguine pasta: This is the star of the dish! Linguine has a nice texture that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw them beforehand!
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: This is what makes our sauce so rich and creamy. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings that amazing aroma and flavor. If you love garlic like I do, feel free to add a little more!
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: This adds a nice kick! You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch will do, but I always taste as I go to find that perfect balance.
- Black pepper to taste: Freshly ground black pepper elevates the flavors; trust me on this one!
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: This not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the butter and shrimp.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step so you can whip up this savory garlic butter shrimp linguine like a pro.
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want enough water to give the linguine room to move around—about 4-6 quarts should do. Once it’s boiling, add your 8 oz of linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so taste a strand a minute or two before the time is up. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water in case we need it later!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want it to brown too much. Just let it gently melt into that beautiful golden liquid. The aroma is already amazing, isn’t it?
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Next, add in your 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like a garlic heaven! Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter if cooked too long.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time for the shrimp! Toss in your 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp and season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This part is super quick, so keep an eye on them! You don’t want to overcook them, or they’ll get tough.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once your shrimp are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and the juice of 1 lemon. Toss everything together until well combined. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This is where all those flavors meld beautifully!
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Now for the best part—serving! Plate up your savory garlic butter shrimp linguine and sprinkle a little extra parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy it right away while it’s all warm and delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in immediately!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are estimates. Each serving of savory garlic butter shrimp linguine contains about 450 calories, with 25g of protein and 20g of fat. While it’s a satisfying dish, be mindful of the sodium content at around 600mg. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, and feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your preferences!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making your savory garlic butter shrimp linguine, here are a few tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly!
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook super quickly—just 2-3 minutes per side is all you need. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, so keep a close eye on them! Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, and nobody wants that.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. On the flip side, if you love a little kick, add more! It’s all about balancing the flavors to your liking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley really elevate the dish. I know it’s tempting to grab the jarred garlic, but fresh makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save a little pasta water before draining! It’s a magical ingredient that can help loosen up your sauce and ensure everything is nicely coated.
- Toss Gently: When you combine the pasta and shrimp, toss everything gently. This helps keep the shrimp intact and ensures that every strand of linguine gets coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of variations you can try with this savory garlic butter shrimp linguine! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Chicken Linguine: Swap the shrimp for boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the same way as the shrimp, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. The flavors will still shine through!
- Vegetarian Delight: For a veggie twist, replace the shrimp with your favorite vegetables! Think bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just sauté them until they’re tender before adding the linguine, and you’ll have a colorful, tasty dish.
- Seafood Medley: Feeling fancy? Use a mix of seafood like scallops, mussels, or even crab meat along with the shrimp. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different seafood has different requirements!
- Herb Explosion: Experiment with different herbs! Basil, thyme, or even a sprinkle of oregano can bring a new layer of flavor to your dish. Fresh herbs can really elevate the taste!
- Spicy Garlic Butter: If you like it hot, increase the red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha for an extra kick. It’s all about finding that perfect heat level that suits your palate.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. Cooking is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your savory garlic butter shrimp linguine experience, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad beautifully complements the richness of the pasta. You could also pair it with some garlic bread for that extra touch of indulgence—who can resist dipping warm, buttery bread into that luscious garlic sauce? And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine to round out your meal perfectly!
FAQ Section
Can I store leftovers of savory garlic butter shrimp linguine?
Absolutely! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you can reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for chicken, as I mentioned earlier. Just make sure to cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C). You could also use firm tofu or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetarian option!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time! Cook the linguine and shrimp separately, then combine them right before serving. This way, your pasta won’t get mushy, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
No problem! Just use gluten-free linguine instead of regular pasta. There are many great options available now, and they’ll work perfectly with the savory garlic butter sauce!
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully. The acidity in the wine balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce, making for a delightful dining experience!
Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine: 6 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for savory garlic butter shrimp linguine that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in the cooked linguine, parsley, and lemon juice. Toss until well combined.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley on top if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your taste.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: savory garlic butter shrimp linguine, shrimp pasta, easy pasta recipe
