Print

Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

quick creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and featuring tender shrimp in a rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) peeled and deveined shrimp, medium size
  • 8 oz (225 g) linguine or spaghetti (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) linguine and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 lb (450 g) peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Add 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce as needed.
  8. Toss everything together gently to coat pasta evenly. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

If sauce seems too thick, add a teaspoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen without watering down flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Frozen shrimp can be used if thawed and patted dry. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce, creamy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/quick-creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-for-easy-15-minute-dinners/