Description
Tender fettuccine pasta and succulent shrimp are tossed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. The combination of fragrant garlic, melted butter, and a hint of Parmesan brings depth to every bite, while the shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this quick and easy recipe is sure to satisfy pasta and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlic Butter Fettuccine and Shrimp:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or any other preferred pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the pasta)
- Salt, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (ensure they are Halal-certified)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth (Halal-certified)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Garnish:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, ensure it’s Halal)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fettuccine Pasta: The wide, flat noodles of fettuccine are perfect for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce.
- Shrimp: Shrimp is a quick-cooking protein that absorbs the flavor of the garlic butter sauce beautifully, making it the ideal choice for this dish.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: A mixture of butter, garlic, and cream creates a rich sauce that is both indulgent and comforting, while the chicken broth adds depth of flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a touch of freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Garlic Butter Fettuccine and Shrimp:
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Toss the pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure that the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the Cream: Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Season the Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If you like a bit of citrusy freshness, add the lemon juice.
Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
- Toss in the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the noodles evenly.
- Add the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together until the shrimp and pasta are well-coated with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
Serve:
- Serve Immediately: Dish the garlic butter fettuccine and shrimp onto plates and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 30g