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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy 15-minute recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with pasta and fresh herbs for a comforting and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound peeled, deveined, and tails removed shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (regular or whole wheat)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, avoiding browning the garlic.
  4. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss pasta in the garlic butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Add juice from half a lemon and chopped fresh parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and give a final toss. Serve immediately while warm and buttery.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency. Avoid burning garlic by stirring constantly and cooking over medium heat. For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end. Shrimp can be swapped with sautéed mushrooms or chicken strips. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free butter alternatives for dietary adaptations.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://islatable.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-15-minutes-easy-and-delicious/