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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Easy 15-Minute Meal

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, coming together in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s a delicious accident that turned into a favorite, featuring juicy shrimp, silky garlic butter sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
  3. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side without moving them, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta in a colander, but do not rinse.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss with tongs to coat. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the grated Parmesan and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water (about 2 tablespoons at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve immediately, divided among warm bowls and topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry for best sear. Reserve more pasta water than needed. Start pasta first, then prep shrimp and garlic while it cooks. Use a microplane for garlic if you want it to melt into the butter. Taste pasta water for salt before adding pasta.

Nutrition

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

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