Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Garden Fresh Herbs

This delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Garden Fresh Herbs is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home. It features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over al dente pasta, and garnished with fresh garden herbs like parsley and basil. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, and it comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
– While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
– Add the shrimp to the skillet in an even layer. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
– Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and cook for about 1 minute.
– Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

4. Combine and Serve:
– Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water, and toss everything together until well combined.
– Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
– Sprinkle the chopped parsley and basil over the top and toss gently to incorporate.

5. Garnish and Serve:
– Divide the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy this delightful and flavorful dish that brings the freshness of garden herbs and the savory richness of garlic butter shrimp to your plate!