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Best 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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This quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta comes together in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for last-minute dinners or impressive entertaining, it features tender shrimp in a silky garlic butter sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted and sizzling, add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a golden-brown crust. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in reserved pasta water and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from pan bottom. Simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced and creamy.
  6. Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss with tongs until pasta is well coated. Add more pasta water if dry.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Toss until cheese is melted and sauce is glossy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Serve immediately in warm bowls with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon on top.

Notes

Don’t overcook shrimp; they’re done when pink and curled into a loose C shape. Reserve more pasta water than needed for sauce adjustment. Use cold butter for better emulsification. Season in layers for best flavor. Freshly grate Parmesan for smooth melting. Prep all ingredients before cooking for efficiency.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/best-15-minute-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe/