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Name: GARLIC BUTTER NOODLES WITH SHRIMP (FANCY BUDGET MEAL!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-494822H21M35S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz noodles or pasta of choice (remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta); 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 5 garlic cloves, crushed or minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or any cheese that melts!); 3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a crisp glass of Chardonnay. If you’re feeling extra, finish with a tiramisu dessert for the best Italian dinner.

GARLIC BUTTER NOODLES WITH SHRIMP (FANCY BUDGET MEAL!)

Description

If there was ever a dish that deserved a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation, this is it. These garlic butter noodles with shrimp are creamy, buttery, garlicky, and just a little bit spicy. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for weeknights (you will feel like you’re eating at a fancy restaurant!)

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz noodles or pasta of choice (remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 garlic cloves, crushed or minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or any cheese that melts!)

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining.

Cook the pasta.

Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Frying shrimp in a pan.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant – about 30–60 seconds (don’t let it burn!). Turn off the heat, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, reserved pasta water, cream, and Parmesan until smooth.

Making the garlic sauce.

Combine and Serve
Toss cooked pasta into the skillet until well coated. Top with shrimp and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and perfect.

Adding the prawns to the sauce.

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast! Remove them as soon as they turn pink.

Don't forget to reserve that pasta water: It’s liquid gold for making the sauce silky and clingy.

Customize It: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra veg power.

Make It Spicy: Extra red pepper flakes = serious flavor.

For a Lighter Version: Swap cream for half-and-half or even a splash of chicken broth.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Family Dinners, Sauces
Method: Stove Top
Cuisine: Italian