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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Best 15-Minute Dinner

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is the ultimate weeknight rescue meal. Tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of starchy pasta water.
  2. While the pasta boils, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and a pinch of black pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the lemon zest and stir. Pour in the reserved pasta water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and add it directly to the skillet. Toss with tongs for about 1 minute until the pasta is well coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over everything and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Toast the garlic gently over medium heat to avoid burning. Season in layers for best flavor.

Nutrition

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

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