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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this buttery, garlicky dish with a pop of lemon is a family favorite that uses simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with 4-5 quarts of water, add a generous tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta (do not rinse).
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Mince garlic, chop parsley, and zest and juice the lemon.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss well with tongs to coat. Add ¼ cup reserved pasta water and toss again until the sauce is silky. Return shrimp to the pan, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and most of the parsley. Toss for about 1 minute until heated through. Add more pasta water if the sauce seems dry.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with remaining parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they are done when pink and curled into a loose C shape. Save more pasta water than you think you need—it’s the secret to a silky sauce. Do not rinse the pasta after draining; the starch helps the sauce stick. Work quickly and have all ingredients prepped before starting. For best results, let butter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using, or cut into small cubes.

Nutrition

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

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