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Easy 30-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and comforting garlic butter shrimp pasta that’s ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This simple recipe combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined medium shrimp (wild-caught if possible)
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (about 55g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 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 heat. When butter melts and starts to foam, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in lemon zest and juice, along with chopped parsley. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. If sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Plate immediately with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley for garnish.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better sear. Avoid burning garlic as it will taste bitter. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil and omit Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

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

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