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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 dinner that proves you don’t need a dozen ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly satisfying. The garlic-infused butter, juicy shrimp, and perfectly al dente pasta come together in a way that feels both effortless and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (linguine or spaghetti recommended)
  • 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of the starchy pasta water.
  3. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add lemon juice and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss with tongs to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until silky.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Warm through for about 30 seconds.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rinse the pasta after draining; the starch helps the sauce stick. If the sauce looks broken, add another tablespoon of pasta water and toss vigorously. For a richer sauce, use cold butter cut into small cubes and add at the end.

Nutrition

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

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