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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Easy 15 Minute Dinner

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is a 15-minute weeknight dinner that tastes like comfort and love. Tender shrimp and al dente pasta are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a generous tablespoon of kosher salt.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes for linguine). Stir occasionally.
  3. While the pasta boils, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  6. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving the garlic butter in the pan.
  7. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt over low heat.
  8. Before draining the pasta, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta (do not rinse).
  9. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the melted butter. Toss to coat.
  10. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss again. If the sauce is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water and toss until silky.
  11. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently for about 30 seconds until warmed through.
  12. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toss once more. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they are done when pink and curled into a loose C shape. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Use cold butter for a creamier sauce. Toast red pepper flakes in butter for better flavor. Work in batches if the skillet is crowded. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-easy-15-minute-dinner/