Garlic Butter Shrimp Penne Pasta
This garlic butter shrimp penne pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with al dente pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. Good for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with additional ingredients like vegetables or spices to make the flavor better.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Penne Pasta
This nice dish requires a few key ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. The star of the show is the shrimp, which should be fresh and plump for the best flavor.
You’ll need 12 ounces of penne pasta, which provides the perfect texture to hold the garlic butter sauce. A good amount of unsalted butter and minced garlic will form the base of the sauce, while red pepper flakes can be added for a hint of heat.
To make the dish better, chicken or vegetable broth is added, along with freshly chopped parsley for garnish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a finishing touch, making the dish even better.
Cooking the Pasta
The first step in preparing this garlic butter shrimp penne pasta is to cook the penne. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
After draining the pasta, set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce. This method makes sure the pasta retains its firmness and goes well with the shrimp.
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. This step is important, as overcooking the shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture.
Combining the Ingredients
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a nice sauce that coats the pasta well.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to make sure each piece is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
Finishing Touches
To complete the dish, stir in the freshly chopped parsley, which adds color and freshness. Remove the skillet from heat and prepare to serve.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider garnishing each plate with grated Parmesan cheese. This not only makes the taste better but also adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic butter shrimp penne pasta is best served hot, making it a good choice for a cozy dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.
Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish will impress. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a satisfying experience for any taste buds.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Penne Recipe
This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter, tossed with penne pasta and finished with fresh herbs. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Garlic Butter Shrimp Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
