Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A fast and flavorful garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) of shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds (do not let it brown). Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce, about ¼ cup (60ml) to start. Stir until butter melts and sauce is smooth.
- Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Dry shrimp before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Cook garlic low and slow to prevent burning and bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy dinner, 15 minute meal, weeknight dinner, shrimp pasta recipe