Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Start by cleaning the shrimp, making sure they are deveined and have their tails removed. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures that they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the garlic and butter.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

3. Sauté the Garlic

• While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

4. Cook the Shrimp

• Add the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic and butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.

5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp

• Once the shrimp are cooked, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

6. Serve

• Serve the Garlic Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or a slice of garlic bread.