1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside, covering to keep warm.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet used to cook the shrimp, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the additional minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve
- Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the Shrimp:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve the Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.
Tips for Success
- Shrimp Selection: Fresh, large shrimp work best for this dish. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- Cooking the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that still provides a rich flavor.
- Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Adding it gradually allows you to control the sauce’s thickness.
- Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Serve with Bread: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a dish that celebrates the perfect harmony of simple ingredients, bringing together the sweetness of shrimp, the richness of butter and cream, and the bright notes of garlic and lemon. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!