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Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

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A quick and comforting garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.
  5. Flip the shrimp and cook for 1 more minute until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 30 seconds.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss with tongs for about 1 minute until coated and sauce thickens.
  9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and half the parsley. Toss gently for 30 seconds.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  11. Serve immediately, topped with remaining parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should curl into a loose C shape. Reserve pasta water before draining; it’s essential for a silky sauce. Use cold butter for a richer sauce if desired. Taste and adjust lemon juice based on tartness.

Nutrition

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

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