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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy 20-Minute Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. This flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and juicy tomatoes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release juices.
  4. Return shrimp to the pan with tomatoes and garlic. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and squeeze in lemon juice. Stir until butter melts into a silky sauce coating the pasta and shrimp evenly.
  5. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Keep garlic finely minced to infuse butter quickly without burning. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. You can add a splash of white wine during the garlic butter sauce step for extra depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, cherry tomato pasta, easy dinner, 20-minute meal, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta

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