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Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy 15-minute dinner recipe featuring tender shrimp in a creamy garlic butter sauce served over pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound (450 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Lower the heat and pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, then sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Use frozen shrimp thawed in cold water if fresh is not available. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Lemon wedges add a nice acidity contrast.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/quick-creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-15-minute-dinner-idea/