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Best 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp and al dente pasta in a rich, silky garlic butter sauce. Ready from fridge to table in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings and uses simple, everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water just before draining.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. When foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown.
  6. Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss together with tongs, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce. Squeeze in the lemon juice and toss again.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook in 2-3 minutes. Use cold butter for a glossier sauce. Taste as you go to adjust seasoning. Reserve pasta water before draining; it’s essential for the sauce. For best results, serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon cooling.

Nutrition

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

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