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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Best 15-Minute Easy Dinner

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a clever technique to create a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Start the pasta water: Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. While waiting, mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, and chop parsley.
  2. Cook the pasta: Once water is boiling, add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta (do not rinse) and set aside.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry: Pat thawed shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Build the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Create the sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 1 minute until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice and zest, then stir to combine.
  7. Combine everything: Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring pasta is evenly coated. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until desired consistency.
  8. Finish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and give one last toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan on the side, if desired.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you need (a full cup) in case the sauce needs extra liquid. Use cold butter for a silkier sauce. Toast red pepper flakes in the butter for deeper flavor. Time your pasta and sauce to finish together. Taste as you go to adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

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

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