Pin it
The Most Amazing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta has become my family's favorite weeknight dinner. The combination of plump shrimp swimming in a silky garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta creates pure comfort in every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic happens when garlic slowly cooks in butter until golden and fragrant. When mixed with tender shrimp and al dente pasta, it creates a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Grab These Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo peeled and deveined.
- Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine work best.
- Butter: Lots of it for that silky sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced not the jarred stuff.
- White Wine: Optional but adds great flavor.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated please.
- Parsley: Adds color and freshness.
Let's Get Cooking
- Start The Pasta
- Get your pasta water boiling and don't forget to salt it well.
- Cook The Garlic
- Slowly melt butter with garlic until fragrant but not brown.
- Add The Shrimp
- Cook just until pink they'll keep cooking in the sauce.
- Bring It Together
- Toss in your pasta some pasta water and let everything get happy together.
My Secret Tips
Save some of that starchy pasta water it's liquid gold for making the sauce silky smooth. And don't overcook those shrimp - they should be just pink when you take them off the heat.
Pin it
Make It Your Own
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or swap in scallops for the shrimp. Sometimes I toss in some cherry tomatoes or baby spinach too. The possibilities are endless.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine and crusty bread are must-haves. I love serving this with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Make It Ahead
You can prep everything in advance but wait to cook until just before serving. The sauce comes together quickly and this dish really is best fresh.
Leftovers Magic
If you have any leftovers store them in an airtight container. Add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish proves that simple ingredients treated right can create something extraordinary. It's quick enough for weeknights but special enough for company.
Dress It Up
Want to make it fancy? Add some lemon zest or a handful of fresh herbs. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving makes everything shine.
Pin it
Common Questions
Yes you can use frozen shrimp just thaw them completely first. And while fresh pasta is lovely dried works perfectly fine too. The key is not overcooking either one.
Perfect for Entertaining
This is my go-to when having friends over. It looks impressive but comes together quickly and everyone always loves it. Plus you're not stuck in the kitchen all night.
Quick Clean Up
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it only uses one pot and one pan. Keep some paper towels handy for wiping up any splashes as you go.
Health Notes
Want to lighten it up? Use less butter and add more herbs for flavor. Whole wheat pasta works great too and adds extra fiber to the dish.
Budget Tips
Look for shrimp on sale and keep them in your freezer. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples making this an affordable luxury you can enjoy anytime.
Special Occasions
This dish has graced many special dinners at my house from anniversaries to birthdays. It never fails to make the meal feel extra special.
Pin it
Getting the Timing Right
Start your pasta water first then prep everything else while it comes to a boil. Once you start cooking it all moves quickly so having everything ready is key to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these without alcohol?
- Yes, simply replace the champagne with water or skim milk for a non-alcoholic version. The texture and flavor will still be delicious.
- → How should I store these cake balls?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for up to a week, but are best enjoyed within the first few days.
- → Why do you add oil to the chocolate coating?
- The vegetable oil helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping and creates a smoother coating. It also helps prevent the chocolate from cracking when set.
- → Can I freeze these cake balls?
- Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- → Why do the balls need to chill before dipping?
- Chilling helps the balls hold their shape during dipping and prevents them from falling apart in the warm chocolate. It's a crucial step for success.