Description
This 15-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, combining tender shrimp, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked pasta in a silky sauce. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
- Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until sizzling but not browning.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and stir. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 1 minute to thicken slightly.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back in. Toss everything together with tongs until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, toss once more, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they are done when pink and curled into a loose ‘C’ shape. Reserve pasta water before draining—it’s essential for a silky sauce. Work in batches if cooking more than 1 lb of shrimp to avoid steaming. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, 15-minute pasta, quick shrimp recipe, weeknight dinner, easy pasta