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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Best 15-Minute Recipe

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This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and easy 15-minute meal that turns a simple weeknight into something special. With tender shrimp, a glossy garlic butter sauce, and a bright hit of lemon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even shrimp skeptics love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside (do not rinse).
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp very dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted and foaming, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes more until opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in white wine or chicken broth. Increase heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let reduce slightly.
  6. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and let come to a gentle simmer. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  8. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and warm through (about 30 seconds).
  9. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss once more. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Top with extra parsley, Parmesan (if using), and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat shrimp very dry for best sear. Do not walk away from the garlic—it burns quickly. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Cook pasta slightly under al dente since it will finish in the sauce. For best results, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta, 15-minute pasta, weeknight dinner, shrimp recipe, garlic butter sauce

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-best-15-minute-recipe/