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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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A fast, flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce with whole cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pint (about 250 grams) whole cherry tomatoes
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the whole cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and blister.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter and about 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding more pasta water if needed.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and optionally drizzle with olive oil.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh minced garlic and cook over medium heat to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta. Add lemon juice off the heat to prevent sauce splitting. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, cherry tomatoes pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce, shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/