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Creamy shrimp alfredo recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Quick weeknight dinner that tastes like restaurant takeout. This garlic butter shrimp pasta comes together in 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add white wine and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and Parmesan. Toss to combine. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't overcook the shrimp or they'll become rubbery. They're done as soon as they turn pink.
Save that pasta water! It helps the sauce stick to the noodles and creates a silky texture.
Use real Parmesan cheese, not the pre-grated stuff in a can. It makes a big difference.