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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Best 15-Minute Meal

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features plump shrimp in a silky garlic butter sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
  2. If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold running water for about 5 minutes. Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  4. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  7. Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Add chopped parsley and toss with tongs until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan and additional parsley.

Notes

Pat shrimp very dry before searing to ensure a good crust. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Don’t overcook shrimp; they are done when they curl into a loose C shape and turn pink. Work in batches if doubling the recipe to avoid crowding the pan.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evabake.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-best-15-minute-meal/