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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, a rich buttery garlic sauce, and spaghetti for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) dried spaghetti
  • 1 pound (450 grams) peeled and deveined medium shrimp, thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons (about 60 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-9 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, pour in reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat noodles in the garlic butter sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until evenly mixed. Add more pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with an extra lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid rubbery texture. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if needed. Keep garlic finely minced and sauté briefly to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and improve coating on noodles. Toss pasta and shrimp off heat to keep shrimp tender and sauce silky.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-15-minute-dinner-idea/