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Best Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

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A quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish features tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce that will become your most-requested dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water, about 1 tablespoon per 4 quarts)
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large, 21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (Kerrygold recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (flat-leaf Italian preferred)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. About 2 minutes before done, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta in a colander (do not rinse).
  3. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp very dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and foaming, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Add lemon juice and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Simmer about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with tongs until every strand is coated. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed for a silky consistency.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan. Toss gently for about 30 seconds until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, toss once more, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook in about 4 minutes total. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Use a hot pan for the shrimp to ensure proper searing. Garlic burns fast—cook only 30-60 seconds. Multitasking is key: prep all ingredients while pasta boils. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

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

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