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Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Perfectly seared shrimp, nutty browned butter, and just enough garlic come together in this quick and easy pasta dish that’s ready in 15 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even self-proclaimed pasta haters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count per pound)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup 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. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming and lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, then add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Stir, scraping up brown bits, and simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with tongs. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  9. Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should curl into a loose C-shape. Save more pasta water than you think you need. Let the butter brown properly for nutty flavor. Taste as you go. Time your cooking carefully for the 15-minute timeline.

Nutrition

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

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