Print

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined medium-sized shrimp (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Zest and juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 lb (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 4 minced cloves garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, turning once. If pan is crowded, cook in batches.
  5. Once shrimp are cooked, add lemon zest and juice from half a lemon, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce seems thick.
  6. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta and shrimp evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Plate the pasta, garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid steaming. Cook shrimp in batches if pan is crowded to prevent rubbery texture. Add lemon juice at the end to keep sauce smooth. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

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

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