Print

Cozy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: The Best Easy Dinner

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. This simple yet flavorful dish features tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce that will win over even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not brown.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together with tongs until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
  7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and give it one more toss. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose C shape. Use cold butter for the sauce to help emulsify. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. Time your cooking so everything finishes together. Don’t skip the lemon.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-15-minute-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-the-best-easy-dinner/