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Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

15-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
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A quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a clever pasta water technique to create a silky, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 4 quarts of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Set a timer for 2 minutes less than the package says.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse.
  5. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly.
  7. Pour in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and the lemon juice. Stir and let simmer for 30 seconds.
  8. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add more pasta water if needed.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Reserve a full cup of pasta water even though the recipe calls for half. The sauce can tighten up as it sits, and having extra starchy water lets you loosen it without diluting the flavor. For best results, serve immediately.

Nutrition

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

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