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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe 20-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that delivers indulgent flavor and satisfying texture in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
  • Optional: Gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version
  • Optional: Plant-based butter substitute and olive oil for dairy-free option

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil (about 5-7 minutes). Add 8 oz (225 g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat 1 lb (450 g) of peeled and deveined raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1.5-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. When melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Lower heat if butter starts to brown too fast.
  5. Combine pasta and shrimp: Return shrimp to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Finish with freshness: Stir in juice from half a lemon and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta, optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and enjoy while warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp; cook in batches if needed. Keep heat moderate when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and achieve silky texture. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently in skillet with splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta, garlic butter sauce, simple pasta recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-20-minute-easy-dinner-idea/