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To make Garlic Chili Butter Shrimp Pasta, gather these items: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) If you are missing an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: Use any pasta you like, such as penne or fettuccine. - Shrimp: Substitute with chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Butter: You can use olive oil for a lighter option. - Chilies: If you want less heat, use bell peppers instead. - Parsley: Fresh basil or cilantro can give a nice twist. To make this dish, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for sautéing - A cutting board and knife for chopping - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy - A serving bowl for tossing pasta These tools will help you create a delicious meal quickly and easily. Enjoy cooking! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use enough salt to make the water taste like the sea. This step is key for flavor. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water will help later. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. Now, let’s get to the shrimp. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. I love using unsalted butter for this. Once it melts, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it to smell amazing, but don’t let it brown. Next, mix in 1-2 finely chopped red chilies and optional chili flakes if you like it spicy. Cook this for another 30 seconds to blend the flavors. Then, add the 1 lb of deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Now, for the best part! Once your shrimp are cooked, add the reserved pasta to the skillet. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon. This adds a bright flavor. Toss everything together. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to create a lovely sauce. If it seems dry, splash in some reserved pasta water until you get a glossy look. Lastly, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy this delicious dish! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Avoid overcooking them. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Use medium heat for even cooking. Stir the shrimp often to ensure they cook evenly. Remember, shrimp will continue to cook after you take them off the heat. To change the spice level, you can add or reduce the amount of red chilies and chili flakes. If you prefer less spice, use one chili instead of two. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies for less heat. For more spice, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. For a great presentation, use shallow bowls. Plate the pasta with a generous amount of shrimp on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge for color. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. This adds flavor and makes the dish look fancy. A beautiful presentation makes every meal feel special. {{image_4}} You can boost nutrition by adding veggies. I love using spinach or broccoli. Spinach wilts quickly, so add it near the end of cooking. For broccoli, steam or sauté it before mixing. You can also use bell peppers or zucchini for color and crunch. These veggies not only taste great but also give you extra vitamins. If you want a twist, try different pasta shapes. Penne or farfalle work well with this dish. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking time on the package. Each type adds its own flavor and texture. Experiment to find your favorite! Herbs can change the taste of your dish. Instead of parsley, try basil for a fresh kick. Oregano or thyme also add depth. You can even mix herbs for a unique flavor. Just chop them finely and stir them in at the end. This small change can make a big difference in taste! To keep your Garlic Chili Butter Shrimp Pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down first. This helps it stay tasty and safe to eat. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The best way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for one minute. Stir, then heat again if needed. If you want to save your pasta for later, freezing works great! Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as shown above for a quick meal. If you want a substitute for shrimp, try chicken or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. Chicken should be cut into small pieces and cooked thoroughly. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden. You can also use scallops or even fish like salmon for a new twist. Garlic Chili Butter Shrimp Pasta lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat in a pan or microwave until warm. Yes, you can add heat without chilies. Use hot sauce or cayenne pepper instead. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This lets you control the spice level and keeps the dish tasty. In this article, we covered the key points for making Garlic Chili Butter Shrimp Pasta. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect shrimp. We also discussed ways to add veggies and alternative pasta options. Remember, storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh. Cooking can be both fun and simple. Explore these ideas to make your dish exciting. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Garlic Chili Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Chili Butter Shrimp Pasta with this easy and quick recipe! This dish features succulent shrimp tossed with garlic, chili, and lemon, creating a beautifully balanced meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and make this savory sensation today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

5 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for additional heat)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside in a large bowl.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Chili: Mix in the finely chopped red chilies and optional chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Cook the Shrimp: Add the deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the reserved pasta to the skillet along with the shrimp mixture. Squeeze in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a glossy sauce.

            Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the finely chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve: Generously plate the pasta, ensuring a good portion of shrimp is included in each dish. If desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2-3

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with a few parsley leaves and an extra wedge of lemon on the side.