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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, shrimp, and lemon. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink all the way through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add lemon juice and 1/3 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for about a minute until slightly creamy.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss with tongs to coat every strand. Add more pasta water if needed.
  8. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add chopped parsley and toss. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice if desired.
  9. Serve immediately, dividing pasta between warm bowls and topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Work fast at the end—this dish comes together in the last 2 minutes. If you accidentally overcook the shrimp, toss them in the sauce anyway; the extra butter and lemon juice will help mask the chewiness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-in-15-minutes/