Shrimp Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce
Serves 2–3
🧄 Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz linguine
Salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper to taste
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
To Finish:
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Extra red pepper flakes (for topping)
Grated Parmesan (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until just al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Toss linguine lightly with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking while the shrimp cooks.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a slightly scratched black skillet (you know the one) over medium heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
Add lemon juice (and zest if using), stir to combine.
4. Bring It Together:
Return shrimp to skillet.
Add linguine and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together in the buttery sauce until glossy and evenly coated.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Serve with Messy Flair:
Sprinkle chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.
Let some shrimp rest on top of the noodles for that photogenic flair.
Let the edges stay a little messy — some splatter on the skillet rim, a bit of parsley on the countertop — we’re going for real kitchen beauty, not food magazine perfection.
🛋️ For the Scene:
Keep it in the skillet for that cozy "served straight from the stove" look.
Place it on a stovetop or wooden trivet.
Toss a crumpled dish towel to the side, set a bottle of olive oil nearby, maybe a bulb of garlic or a half-used lemon in the background.
Let that natural afternoon light hit it just right. 🌞
Let me know if you want a creamy version, or maybe a wine-based garlic sauce instead — or even a crusty bread pairing to mop up all that buttery goodness. 🍞✨