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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Perfect for Easy 15-Minute Dinners

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta with lemon that comes together in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. This flavorful dish balances rich butter and bright lemon for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp (medium-sized, thawed if frozen)
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts). Add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry the shrimp with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted and foaming, add minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Stir in lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon. Mix well to combine.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and about 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss everything together with tongs or a pasta fork. Add more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp; cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if it thickens too much. Zest lemon before juicing to avoid bitterness from the pith. Butter should be melted and foaming but garlic should not brown to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy shrimp dinner, 15-minute dinner, lemon shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-easy-15-minute-dinners/