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To take your Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine to the next level, seasoning is key. The right balance of flavors can transform a good dish into an extraordinary one. Here are some essential tips for enhancing the flavors:

Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine! This quick and elegant dish combines succulent shrimp with al dente linguine, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Learn how to achieve the ideal flavor balance with vibrant lemon and parsley. Impress your loved ones with this delightful culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)

1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a richer flavor)

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

      Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

        Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet, infusing the sauce with flavor. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly.

          Combine All Ingredients: Add the drained linguine and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss the mixture to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Finish the Dish: Stir in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

              Serve: Plate the linguine topped with the garlic shrimp. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

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