Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, buttery dish packed with juicy shrimp and a velvety Parmesan sauce. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, cavatappi, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Toss in shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and remove from heat.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Top with garlic butter shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops for variety.