Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish combines tender shrimp with a silky garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined shrimp, medium or large size (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp)
- 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons (about 60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp (1 pound/450 g) to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and just cooked through.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with shrimp and garlic butter. Pour in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and about 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together gently until pasta is well coated and sauce clings perfectly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Remove from heat.
- Plate immediately for best texture and flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or extra parsley.
Notes
Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water for 5-10 minutes before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure shrimp sears properly. Add garlic after butter melts and keep heat moderate to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Toss pasta off heat to avoid overcooking shrimp. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on stove with splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy shrimp dinner, 15-minute dinner, weeknight pasta, garlic shrimp recipe