25-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

25-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

from familystylefood.com
25 min
4 servings

This is a quick and simple recipe for incredibly tasty shrimp pasta (shrimp scampi). The pan-seared shrimp is paired with a spicy garlic butter sauce with tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine, spaghetti or your favorite long pasta shape
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pound jumbo or extra-large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (cut into halves or quarters)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic grated on a Microplane or very finely chopped garlic ( about 2-3 plump cloves)
  • 6 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper (or to taste)
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1/4 cup each chopped parsley and basil)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large (5 or 6 quarts) pot of water to a boil and season with 3 tablespoons kosher salt.

  2. 2

    Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (usually about 11 minutes). Scoop ½ cup of the pasta water out of the pot and set aside, then drain the pasta and transfer to a bowl.

  3. 3

    While the pasta is cooking, pat the shimp with a paper towel to dry them. Sprinkle lightly with salt on both sides.

  4. 4

    Put a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil. When it starts to shimmer, add the shrimp in one layer. Cook 2 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 1 more minute.

  5. 5

    Add the tomatoes, garlic, butter and chili to the pan and stir. When the butter is melted, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and swirl around until saucy (add more if needed, a tablespoon at a time).

  6. 6

    Pour the shrimp and sauce over the pasta. Top with the parsley and Parmesan cheese to taste. Toss gently and serve. Enjoy!