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Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. This dish features tender shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce with a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 10 minutes). Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-9 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons (28g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, add 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (28g) butter and minced garlic (4 cloves). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine or chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any tasty bits off the bottom of the pan with your spoon.
  5. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon to brighten the sauce.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together gently. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Optionally, serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Keep garlic from burning by sautéing on moderate heat and adding liquid quickly. Toss pasta and sauce off heat to keep sauce silky. Use tongs for gentle tossing. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

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