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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta comes together in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients. Tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce make it a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it took hours.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and a pinch of black pepper.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until golden-brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted and foaming, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat every strand in the garlic butter sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.
  8. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the chopped parsley. Toss gently for about 30 seconds until heated through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  10. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Top with remaining parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat shrimp completely dry before searing to ensure a golden crust. Reserve more pasta water than needed (1 cup) in case the sauce needs thinning. Work in batches if the skillet is crowded. For a creamier sauce, use cold butter cut into small cubes and whisk into the hot pasta water. Taste as you go for balanced seasoning.

Nutrition

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

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