Buttered Shrimp Pasta with Garlic and Lemon
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta
- 1½ poundsshrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
- 6 tablespoonsbutter
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- ½ cupdry white wine
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ cupfresh parsley
- ½ cupparmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Prep
- 01
Peel and devein 1.5 pounds of shrimp if not already done, and pat dry with paper towels.
- 02
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 03
Juice 1 lemon and zest it if desired for serving.
- 04
Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
- 05
Grate 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- 02
While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 03
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until just cooked through and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
- 04
Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
- 05
Pour in white wine and let it bubble for 1 minute to reduce slightly. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and the juice of 1 lemon.
- 06
Return shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is coated and warm. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash more pasta water.
- 07
Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Divide among bowls and top with parmesan cheese.
Spice Tips
For a touch of heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. A splash of fresh lemon juice at the table lets diners adjust the brightness to their taste. If you enjoy anchovies, finely chop one and melt it into the butter for deeper savory depth.
This sauce comes together in minutes once you start cooking. Have all ingredients prepped before you begin — the whole dish cooks in less time than it takes the pasta water to boil. For extra brightness, add a pinch of lemon zest to the finished bowls.