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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine pasta for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry 1 pound shrimp with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to low, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if a looser sauce is desired.
  7. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over the top and toss again.
  8. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Fresh parsley is preferred over dried. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive or coconut oil and omit Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

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