Shrimp Pasta

Here’s a quick and flavorful Shrimp Pasta recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s light, garlicky, and customizable to your taste.

🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipe (Garlic Butter or Creamy Style Options)

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

• 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Optional for Creamy Version:

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp butter

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Cook the Shrimp:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Garlic Butter Version:
     In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30–60 seconds. Add lemon juice and a splash of pasta water. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

   • Creamy Version:
     Lower the heat. Add butter, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine:
   Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything to coat. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh herbs and more Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

🥗 Optional Add-Ins:

• Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms

• A splash of white wine in the sauce

• Crushed chili or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

Would you like a tomato-based, pesto, or spicy Cajun variation of shrimp pasta too?