Garlic Shrimp Butter Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Shrimp, garlic, and butter coat al dente spaghetti for a rich seafood pasta finished with fresh herbs.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Seafood
01 -
1 pound medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
→ Pasta
02 -
12 ounces dried spaghetti made from semolina
→ Aromatics
03 -
4 large fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
→ Seasonings
04 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning mix
05 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
07 -
2 teaspoons fine sea salt, plus more for pasta water
→ Sauce Components
08 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
→ Fresh Herbs
10 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season generously with fine sea salt until the water tastes briny. Optionally add fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Add spaghetti and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set aside drained pasta.
02 -
Rinse shrimp thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp begin to turn pink and curl.
04 -
Stir minced garlic into the skillet with the shrimp. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently to ensure garlic is fragrant and shrimp are fully cooked, but do not allow the garlic to brown.
05 -
Add extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add drained spaghetti and toss with the shrimp and garlic. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed, tossing thoroughly to create a silky emulsion that coats the pasta.
06 -
Toss the pasta mixture over medium heat for an additional minute to bring all flavors together. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Reserving some pasta water before draining creates a silky, cohesive sauce.
02 -
Ensure shrimp is thoroughly patted dry to achieve even searing in the skillet.