Bow Tie Pasta With Garlic Butter Shrimp
Highlighted under: Rapid Recipe Collection
I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp because it combines the elegance of garlic butter sauce with the comfort of pasta in such a delightful way. The buttery garlic aroma fills my kitchen and hints at the delicious meal to come. This dish not only pleases the senses but also works perfectly for a cozy weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. Tossed together in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick yet impressive meal that always leaves us wanting more.
When I first tried my hand at making Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The rich garlic and buttery flavors harmonize beautifully with the tender shrimp, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare. I always season the shrimp just right to enhance the flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
One specific tip I’ve found helpful is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water when draining; adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps to create a silkier texture. The combination of the shapes of the bow tie pasta and the garlic shrimp not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also a delightful eating experience. This dish has become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A delightful balance of flavors with a hint of garlic
- Quick and easy preparation for busy nights
- Impressive enough to wow your guests
Perfecting the Garlic Butter Sauce
The key to a stunning garlic butter sauce starts with quality butter and fresh garlic. Aim for unsalted butter to control the salt levels in your dish. As you sauté the garlic, keep a close eye on it; you'll want it to become fragrant without turning brown, as this can lead to a bitter taste. Cooking on medium heat is ideal, allowing the garlic to impart its flavor while preventing any unwanted browning.
Incorporating the shrimp into the butter and garlic mixture deepens the flavor profile of the dish. Adding the shrimp as soon as the garlic becomes aromatic ensures they soak up all the garlicky goodness. Be mindful to not overcrowd the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of sautéing. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches for that perfect pink color and opaque texture.
Tossing and Textures
Tossing the cooked pasta with the shrimp and butter sauce is where the magic happens. The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon; its starchy consistency helps bind the dish together. Start by adding a couple of tablespoons at a time until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. This step transforms the dish into a cohesive and luscious meal rather than just pasta and shrimp piled together.
When blending the pasta and shrimp, aim for a glossy finish where the sauce lightly coats each piece without being overly runny. If your dish seems dry, gradually add more reserved water. The key is to find that perfect balance, creating a dish that feels rich yet light enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and is opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with shrimp. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the parsley and serve with grated Parmesan on top.
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dish just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking to lighten this dish, consider using olive oil instead of butter. Extra virgin olive oil will add its own delightful flavor while keeping the calorie count lower. Additionally, be mindful of the shrimp; if you're substituting with chicken or a plant-based protein, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken will take longer to cook through, while plant-based options should be added when the garlic is nearly fragrant to avoid overcooking.
For a different flavor twist, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or spinach along with the pasta. These ingredients not only add nutrient value but also vibrant colors and interesting textures. You can sauté them along with the shrimp to craft a more complex dish that delights the palate.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This pasta dish is great for meal prepping since the components can be made ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then separate them to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. Store both the shrimp and the pasta in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
If you're considering freezing, it's best to freeze the cooked shrimp separately from the pasta. This method allows you to defrost and reheat them correctly without compromising texture. You can freeze the shrimp for up to two months; just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Reheating on medium heat with a little butter or olive oil will revive their juicy tenderness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
→ What if I don’t have bow tie pasta?
You can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, but cooking times may vary.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp for some heat.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Bow Tie Pasta With Garlic Butter Shrimp
I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp because it combines the elegance of garlic butter sauce with the comfort of pasta in such a delightful way. The buttery garlic aroma fills my kitchen and hints at the delicious meal to come. This dish not only pleases the senses but also works perfectly for a cozy weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. Tossed together in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick yet impressive meal that always leaves us wanting more.
Created by: Isla Turner
Recipe Type: Rapid Recipe Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
For the Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and is opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with shrimp. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the parsley and serve with grated Parmesan on top.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dish just before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g