Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and spaghetti for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, about 8-9 minutes for al dente. Set a timer.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook about 1 minute until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Add pasta to skillet with garlic butter and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Return shrimp to skillet and toss gently to combine. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubberiness. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce for better coating. Fresh garlic is preferred over pre-minced for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute spaghetti with rice or chickpea pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly. Optional additions include white wine splash or grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 25
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy dinner, 15-minute meal, garlic shrimp, pasta recipe, weeknight dinner