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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: 15-Minute Easy Dinner

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This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients like shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon. It’s the perfect stress-free weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) angel hair pasta or spaghetti
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. For angel hair, that’s usually 4-5 minutes. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
  5. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same pan. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss together with tongs for about 1 minute until the sauce emulsifies.
  8. Return the shrimp to the pan. Add lemon juice and most of the parsley. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve immediately. Divide between warm bowls, top with remaining parsley and lemon wedges. Add Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook in 3-4 minutes total. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. For an extra-glossy finish, add a tablespoon of cold butter at the end and swirl off the heat. Toast red pepper flakes in butter before adding garlic for deeper flavor. Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook.

Nutrition

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

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