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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that saves you on those nights when you’re tired, hungry, and tempted to order takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine or spaghetti recommended)
  • 1 lb (450g) large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes for linguine). Set a timer.
  3. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let butter melt and foam.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Zest the lemon directly into the pan, then squeeze in juice from half the lemon. Stir to combine and deglaze the pan.
  8. Right before pasta is done, scoop out about ½ cup (120ml) of starchy pasta water and set aside.
  9. Drain pasta in a colander (do not rinse).
  10. Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic butter sauce. Toss with tongs to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup/60ml) and toss again.
  11. Return cooked shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to combine and heat through for about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  12. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and toss one last time.
  13. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they go from raw to perfect to rubbery in about 60 seconds. Use cold butter for the sauce to create a creamier emulsion. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need (up to 1 cup). Toast red pepper flakes with garlic to release oils. Season in layers for depth of flavor. For a variation, add a splash of dry white wine after the garlic.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-easy-15-minute-dinner/