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Quick 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image

A simple, weeknight-friendly pasta dish featuring tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce with lemon and parsley, ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 45 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 cup reserved starchy pasta water
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While water boils, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and toss vigorously to create a creamy sauce.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan. Add lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Toss to combine.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or parmesan if desired.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcook the garlic as it turns bitter quickly. Use starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meals, easy seafood, 15 minute recipes, lemon shrimp