Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy lemon, and rich butter creates a flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
The simplicity of the ingredients allows the fresh flavors to shine, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. Enjoy this delightful pasta dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies your taste buds.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients needed to create this mouthwatering dish.
Main Ingredients & Amount Required For Servings 4
To prepare Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta for four servings, you will need the following main ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Butter: 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
- Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup).
- Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 large lemon.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or linguine works best).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional for a bit of heat).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish.
Here is a quick table summarizing the main ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Lemon Juice | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Pasta | 8 ounces |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 cup |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Parsley | Chopped for garnish |
Optional Add-ons
To enhance the flavor and texture of your Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta, consider adding these optional add-ons:
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add a pop of color and sweetness with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the pasta for a creamy, rich taste.
- Spinach: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach for added nutrients and a vibrant green hue.
- White Wine: Substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine for a deeper flavor profile.
- Capers: Add a briny touch with a tablespoon of capers.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms for an earthy addition.
Feel free to mix and match these add-ons to suit your taste preferences. Here is a table summarizing the optional add-ons:
| Optional Add-on | Description |
|---|---|
| Cherry Tomatoes | Halved, adds color and sweetness |
| Parmesan Cheese | Grated, adds creamy richness |
| Spinach | Fresh, adds nutrients and color |
| White Wine | Substitute for chicken broth, deepens flavor |
| Capers | Briny touch, 1 tablespoon |
| Mushrooms | Sliced, sautéed for earthy flavor |
Preparing The Shrimp
In this blog post, we will explore the delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta. The key to a perfect dish is preparing the shrimp correctly. Follow these steps to ensure your shrimp are clean, well-marinated, and ready to be the star of your pasta dish.
Cleaning The Shrimp
To start, cleaning the shrimp is crucial for a tasty and safe meal. Follow these steps to clean your shrimp perfectly:
- Rinse the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a colander and rinse them under cold water. This removes any dirt or debris.
- Remove the shell: Hold the shrimp firmly and peel off the shell from the head to the tail. Leave the tail on if you prefer.
- Devein the shrimp: Using a small knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Remove the dark vein with the tip of your knife or a toothpick.
- Rinse again: Give the shrimp another quick rinse to ensure they are clean.
Here is a table summarizing the cleaning steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rinse the shrimp under cold water |
| 2 | Remove the shell |
| 3 | Devein the shrimp |
| 4 | Rinse again |
These steps ensure your shrimp are clean and ready for marinating, which will enhance their flavor in the final dish.
Marinating The Shrimp
Marinating the shrimp infuses them with rich flavors. Follow this simple process:
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the shrimp: Place the cleaned shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each shrimp is well-coated.
- Let it rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.
Here’s a quick marinade recipe for your reference:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Minced Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Marinating the shrimp enhances their flavor, making them juicy and delicious. Your shrimp are now ready to be cooked to perfection in the Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Making The Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Cooking a delicious Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta starts with making the perfect sauce. The sauce combines the tanginess of lemon, the richness of butter, and the aromatic flavor of garlic. This step-by-step guide will help you create a mouthwatering lemon butter garlic sauce that will elevate your pasta to gourmet levels.
Sautéing The Garlic
To begin making the sauce, start by sautéing the garlic. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the flavor. Follow these steps to ensure your garlic is perfectly sautéed:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic.
- Stir the garlic continuously to avoid burning. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
The key to perfect garlic is keeping an eye on it and stirring constantly. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat. Properly sautéed garlic will have a sweet, nutty aroma.
Adding Butter And Lemon Juice
After sautéing the garlic, the next step is adding butter and lemon juice. These ingredients are essential for the rich and tangy flavor of the sauce. Follow these steps:
- Add half a cup of unsalted butter to the skillet with the sautéed garlic.
- Stir the butter continuously until it melts completely and blends with the garlic.
- Once the butter has melted, add the juice of one large lemon.
- Stir the mixture well to combine the lemon juice with the butter and garlic.
The combination of melted butter and fresh lemon juice creates a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the shrimp and pasta perfectly. Make sure to stir continuously to create a smooth and well-blended sauce.
By following these steps, your lemon butter garlic sauce will be ready to take your shrimp pasta to the next level. The balance of flavors will make every bite delicious and satisfying.
Cooking The Pasta
Properly cooked pasta forms the foundation of this delicious dish, ensuring it combines perfectly with the tangy lemon, creamy butter, and aromatic garlic flavors.
Boiling The Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with water. Use about 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This is important because it enhances the flavor of the pasta.
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Stir it immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, this will be around 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but not hard.
Here’s a quick table to guide you through the pasta cooking times:
| Type of Pasta | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 8-10 |
| Fettuccine | 9-11 |
| Pennew | 10-12 |
Make sure to taste the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. This way, you can ensure it doesn’t get overcooked.
Draining And Setting Aside
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, it’s time to drain it. Use a colander to drain the water from the pasta. Be careful with the hot water to avoid burns.
Do not rinse the pasta. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. Instead, just shake the colander gently to remove excess water.
After draining, you can toss the pasta with a little bit of olive oil. This prevents the pasta from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish.
If you are not using the pasta immediately, place it in a large bowl. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to keep it warm and moist.
Here’s a quick checklist for draining and setting aside the pasta:
- Drain pasta using a colander
- Shake gently to remove excess water
- Do not rinse the pasta
- Toss with olive oil if not using immediately
- Cover to keep warm
By following these steps, your pasta will be ready to combine with the lemon butter garlic shrimp, creating a delightful and flavorful meal.
Cooking The Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly, and it’s easy to get it just right with a few simple tips. In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of searing the shrimp and combining it with the delicious sauce. Follow these steps to ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Searing The Shrimp
Searing shrimp is the first step in creating a rich and flavorful dish. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Flip them when they turn pink and start to curl. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and chewy.
Here is a quick overview to help you:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Heat the skillet | Medium-high heat with olive oil |
| Add shrimp | Place in a single layer |
| Cook time | 2-3 minutes per side |
| Flip shrimp | When pink and curled |
Pro Tip: Season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking for an extra kick. You can also add a clove of minced garlic to the skillet for additional flavor.
Combining With Sauce
After searing, it’s time to combine the shrimp with the sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add two tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the juice of one lemon and a half cup of chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce until they are well-coated. Make sure to heat them through for about 2 minutes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Melt butter in the skillet
- Add minced garlic
- Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes
- Return shrimp to the skillet
- Toss and heat through for 2 minutes
Pro Tip: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of elegance.
Assembling The Dish
Assembling the dish is the final step, bringing together all the delicious components. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Mixing Pasta With Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked al dente, it’s time to mix it with the sauce. Use a large skillet to combine the ingredients. This helps ensure even coating.
Steps to mix the pasta with the sauce:
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the lemon butter garlic sauce.
- Heat the sauce on medium until it starts to simmer.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring gently to coat.
Pro Tips:
- Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Use tongs to mix the pasta for better control.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 400 grams |
| Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce | 1 cup |
| Shrimp | 500 grams |
| Pasta Water | 1 cup (optional) |
Plating And Garnishing
Plating your Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta beautifully enhances the dining experience. Start with a clean, wide plate to showcase the dish.
Steps to plate and garnish:
- Use tongs to twirl a portion of pasta onto the plate.
- Arrange the shrimp on top of the pasta.
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the shrimp and pasta.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest.
Garnish Options:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon zest
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Presentation Tips:
- Use a white plate to make the colors pop.
- Serve immediately for the best taste.
- Wipe the plate edges for a clean look.
By following these steps, your Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta will not only taste amazing but also look restaurant-quality. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This recipe not only delights the taste buds but also provides a variety of nutrients essential for a balanced diet. Below, we delve into the nutritional information of Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta, helping you understand its caloric content and macronutrient breakdown.
Approximate Calorie
This flavorful dish is not just delightful but also calorie-conscious. On average, a serving of Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta contains approximately 450-500 calories. This caloric content includes the shrimp, pasta, butter, garlic, lemon, and any additional seasoning or garnishes used in the recipe.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the calorie content for each main ingredient:
- Shrimp (100 grams): 99 calories
- Pasta (100 grams cooked): 157 calories
- Butter (1 tablespoon): 102 calories
- Garlic (2 cloves): 8 calories
- Lemon (1 whole): 17 calories
These values may vary slightly based on portion sizes and exact ingredients used. The combined ingredients make this dish a moderate-calorie option that fits well within a balanced diet.
Breakdown Of Macronutrients (protein, Fat, Carbs)
The macronutrient content in Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, essential for energy and muscle maintenance. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Macronutrient | Approximate Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
Protein mainly comes from the shrimp, making this dish an excellent source of lean protein. Shrimp is also rich in essential amino acids and low in calories.
Fat content is primarily from the butter used in the recipe. Butter adds richness and flavor but should be consumed in moderation. This dish provides healthy fats needed for brain function and energy.
Carbohydrates are derived from the pasta, providing the energy necessary for daily activities. Opt for whole grain pasta to increase fiber content and enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
This macronutrient breakdown ensures that Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is not only tasty but also nutritious, contributing to a well-rounded diet.
