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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes: Easy One-Pan Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pan garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. Tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly coated pasta make this a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 4-5 quarts of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. While the water heats, prep your ingredients: mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and juice the lemon.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. For linguine, this is usually about 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, start the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and develop a golden crust on the bottom.
  5. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 minute. They should be opaque and just cooked through. Transfer them to a plate using a slotted spoon. Don’t wipe out the skillet.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, swirling the pan occasionally. Once it’s foamy, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add the reserved pasta water and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds until it thickens slightly.
  8. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Don’t rinse the pasta. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan, along with the chopped parsley. Toss everything together using tongs for about 1 minute, until the pasta is well coated and the shrimp are heated through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if needed. If the pasta seems dry, add another splash of reserved pasta water.
  10. Serve immediately. Divide the pasta among warm bowls. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top just before serving. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook in 2-3 minutes total. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Use cold butter if you’re worried about burning the garlic. Let the shrimp come to room temperature before cooking. Don’t skip the lemon—it balances the richness. This dish is best served immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick pasta recipe, one-pan pasta, shrimp pasta, 15 minute dinner, easy weeknight dinner, garlic shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-in-15-minutes-easy-one-pan-recipe/