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Light Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe in 15 Minutes

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. This light yet indulgent dish features plump shrimp, a silky garlic butter sauce, and a bright squeeze of lemon, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt once boiling.
  2. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a colander (do not rinse).
  3. While the pasta boils, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and stir vigorously to create a silky sauce. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, then stir to combine.
  7. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, give a final toss, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper browning. Reserve more pasta water than needed (about 1 cup) in case the sauce needs thinning. Cook garlic on medium-low heat to avoid burning. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape; a tight ‘O’ means they are overcooked. This dish is best served fresh.

Nutrition

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

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