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## **How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide**
### **Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions for the best cooking time, ensuring the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be used to help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp**
While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
### **Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Once the garlic is aromatic and golden, add the dry white wine (if using) to the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, allowing the alcohol to cook off and leaving behind a deep, rich flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add the heavy cream at this point. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for a touch of heat, along with the lemon zest and lemon juice for brightness. Continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
### **Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Pasta**
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
### **Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
Transfer the garlic shrimp pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added zest, and enjoy!
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## **Tips for Making the Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta**
### **1. Choose the Right Shrimp**
Fresh shrimp will give your garlic shrimp pasta the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet. Larger shrimp (21-25 count per pound) are ideal, as they offer a nice balance of size and tenderness.
### **2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp**
Shrimp cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. When shrimp are cooked properly, they should be pink, opaque, and firm but tender. Overcooking causes shrimp to become tough and rubbery, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they reach this stage.
### **3. Use Pasta Water to Adjust the Sauce**
Pasta water is a secret weapon in pasta dishes. It contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce and helps it stick to the pasta. If your sauce seems too thin, add a little bit of pasta water to the skillet to help thicken it up and bring everything together.
### **4. Make the Sauce Your Own**
Feel free to adjust the garlic butter sauce to your liking. For a richer sauce, you can add more butter or cream. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as basil, thyme, or oregano, to enhance the aroma of the dish.
### **5. Make It a Complete Meal**
To round out your garlic shrimp pasta, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. A warm, crusty baguette is also a great accompaniment for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
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