Butter has got to be one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen. Whether you’re baking up a storm or cooking up a savory dish, it’s hard to go wrong with a little bit of butter. In this article, we’re going to show you two delicious recipes that use just 4 tablespoons of butter each. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Recipe 1: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 29g
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling spaghetti
- Colander
Serving Suggestions:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad
Variations:
Substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp
Substitutions:
Use olive oil instead of butter
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Tips:
Be sure not to overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery.
Notes:
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover shrimp you may have in your fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like.
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Recipe 2: Lemon Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add chicken back to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 39g
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Equipment:
- Large skillet
Serving Suggestions:
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes
Variations:
Substitute pork or fish for chicken
Substitutions:
Use ghee instead of butter
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Tips:
Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Notes:
This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. The lemon butter sauce is tangy and delicious and pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
- Yes, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Both of these recipes are simple to make and packed with flavor. The garlic butter shrimp pasta is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, while the lemon butter chicken is a great option for a special occasion. We hope you give these recipes a try and let us know what you think!