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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 tender shrimp in a rich, nutty garlic butter sauce clinging to al dente spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt for the pasta water (about 1 tablespoon per 4 quarts)
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt and foam.
  5. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 15 seconds.
  8. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Cook for about 30 seconds to reheat.
  9. Add the drained pasta to the pan. Toss with tongs, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce seems dry.
  10. Remove from heat. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the pasta and toss again. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  11. Plate the pasta, top with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the shrimp. They are done when pink and curled into a loose C shape. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need—it helps create a silky sauce. This dish is best served immediately.

Nutrition

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

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