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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an important role. Start with 8 ounces of linguine pasta. This gives the dish a nice base. Use 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating. Next, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter adds richness. Garlic is key to flavor, so use 4 cloves, minced. For a bit of heat, include 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can change this amount to fit your taste. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Halve 1/2 cup and add them to the mix. Spinach leaves, about 1 cup, add color and nutrition. The zest and juice of 1 lemon brightens the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, chop fresh parsley for garnish. This adds freshness and a pop of color when serving. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to create a tasty meal. - Start by boiling a large pot of water. - Add a good pinch of salt to the water. - Once boiling, add 8 oz of linguine pasta. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. - Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. - Next, add 1 lb of shrimp to the skillet. - Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. - Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. - In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. - Toss in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach leaves. - Cook this mix for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts. - Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. - Then, add the drained linguine to the skillet. - Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed. - Lastly, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, adjusting seasoning as needed. Choosing the right shrimp Choose large shrimp for this dish. They give a nice bite. Look for shrimp that is firm and fresh. Fresh shrimp will taste better. If you can, buy shrimp from local markets. Avoiding overcooking Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Keep an eye on them while they cook. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are ready. Tips for heat preferences Red pepper flakes add heat. Start with a small amount. You can always add more later. If you like mild dishes, use less. If you love spice, feel free to add more! Alternative spicy additions Try adding fresh chili peppers for more heat. Jalapeños or serranos work well. Chop them finely and add them when you cook the shrimp. This gives a fresh kick to your meal. Using fresh herbs Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top before serving. You can also use basil for a sweet touch. Fresh herbs make the dish taste vibrant and fresh. Additional ingredients for richness Consider adding a splash of white wine. It boosts the flavor of the sauce. You may also mix in a bit of cream for a richer sauce. Just remember, balance is key! {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free meal, swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta. You can find options made from rice, corn, or quinoa. These alternatives cook quickly but check the package for exact times. Gluten-free pasta can be more delicate, so watch it closely to avoid mushiness. You can easily add more veggies to your dish. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for extra crunch and color. Seasonal veggies like peas or broccoli also work well. Just add them to the skillet with your tomatoes and spinach to cook until tender. For a fresh twist, use different citrus like lime or orange. Each brings a unique flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Chop them finely and mix them in at the end for a burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat pasta, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, add a splash of water. This keeps your pasta moist. For stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within three months for best taste. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method to keep the texture right. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Cooking times change slightly for frozen shrimp. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes instead of 2-3 minutes. Check for a pink color to know they are done. When preparing frozen shrimp, rinse them under cold water to remove ice. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear better and taste juicier. You have many great options for sides. A fresh garden salad pairs well. You can also serve garlic bread for dipping in the sauce. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The fresh taste balances the rich shrimp dish. You can also add roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. To prepare ahead, cook the shrimp and pasta in advance. Store each in separate containers. This keeps them fresh and avoids mushiness. You can make the sauce a day before. Just reheat it gently before mixing with pasta and shrimp. Keep the lemon zest and juice for last to add bright flavor. Storing components separately helps maintain texture and taste. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine. We covered essential ingredients and detailed steps for cooking the dish perfectly. I shared tips to enhance flavor and offered variations for dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers correctly and reheat wisely to keep the taste fresh. Enjoy creating this tasty meal, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists. Now, it's time to bring this dish to your table and savor each bite. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion! This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, al dente linguine, and vibrant cherry tomatoes with a kick of garlic and lemon. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a meal your family will love. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach leaves

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Cook until the tomatoes start to soften and the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

          Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Add lemon juice and zest, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

            Serve: Plate the linguine with shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4