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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

quick garlic butter shrimp pasta in 15 minutes - featured image

This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta in 15 minutes is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp, silky garlic butter sauce, and perfectly coated pasta come together in one pan for a meal that tastes like it took twice as long.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until foamy but not browning. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the minced garlic, and the red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together with tongs, letting the pasta absorb the garlic butter sauce.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the lemon juice. Toss everything together for another minute until the shrimp are heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the shrimp dry for best searing. Don’t overcook the garlic. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Taste as you go. For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream with the pasta water.

Nutrition

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