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Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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This easy garlic butter shrimp pasta is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable. It’s fast enough for a frantic Tuesday night, but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta or spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Drop in the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 4-5 minutes for al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper on both sides.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Let it foam and then start to turn a light golden brown, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for 2 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Add the reserved pasta water and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 30 seconds to reduce slightly.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, coating the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. If it seems dry, add a splash more pasta water.
  8. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine and warm the shrimp through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp. Use cold butter for the sauce if adding at the end. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Time your pasta and sauce to finish together. Taste as you go.

Nutrition

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

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