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Shrimp Butter Sauce Pasta

This dish features tender, sweet shrimp cooked in a silky butter sauce that is brightened with lemon juice. The pasta is tossed in the rich, fragrant sauce, resulting in a luxurious yet quick and satisfying meal with a glossy appearance and a perfect balance of richness and brightness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine al dente
  • 1 pound large shrimp, deveined and peeled tail on optional
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter preferably real butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh for aroma
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil good-quality extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Peeler or zester
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, rinse the shrimp and pat them dry. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, the aroma should be pungent and the garlic slightly golden.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt slowly, bubbling gently and turning a light golden color, swirling the pan occasionally for even cooking.
  5. Once the butter has turned golden, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the rich, buttery sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for about a minute.
  6. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest, then toss again to brighten the dish with a fresh citrus aroma.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of warm pasta water to loosen it up.
  8. Remove from heat, then sprinkle with chopped parsley for a vibrant herbal note. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra lemon wedges or parsley if desired, and enjoy the silky, flavorful pasta with tender shrimp.