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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and comforting garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (dried can be used)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add drained pasta directly into the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
  6. If pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time and stir to create a silky sauce.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together gently. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
  8. Give one last toss and season with extra salt or black pepper if needed. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook garlic gently to prevent bitterness. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-quick-20-minute-dinners/