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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Easy 15-Min Recipe

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is a 15-minute weeknight dinner that combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a glossy garlic butter sauce. It’s simple enough for beginners but satisfying enough for experienced cooks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Swirl until butter melts and foams.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 90 seconds on first side without moving, then flip and cook 60-90 seconds until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta (do not rinse).
  7. Add drained pasta to skillet with garlic butter. Toss with tongs. Add ¼ cup reserved pasta water and toss until sauce is glossy.
  8. Return shrimp to pan. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the parsley. Toss 30 seconds until shrimp are warmed through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  10. Divide among bowls. Top with remaining parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rinse the pasta; the starch helps emulsify the sauce. Pat shrimp dry for best browning. Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Work in batches if skillet is overcrowded.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick pasta recipe, 15-minute dinner, shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-easy-15-min-recipe/