Print

Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish features succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce that will transport you to a cozy Tuesday night dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Get your pasta water boiling. Fill your large pot with water—about 4-5 quarts—and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
  2. While the water comes to a boil, prep your ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, squeeze the lemon juice. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the pasta. Drop your linguine or spaghetti into the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Start the garlic butter. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Cook the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  6. Deglaze the pan. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
  7. Finish the sauce. Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted. Scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and transfer directly to the skillet.
  8. Toss everything together. Add the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and half the parsley. Toss with tongs, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  10. Serve immediately, topped with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry for best sear. Don’t skip pasta water—it emulsifies the sauce. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Shrimp are done when they curl into a loose C shape. Reserve extra pasta water in case sauce needs more liquid.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-in-15-minutes/