Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy 15 Minute Dinner Idea
A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon finish.
- 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 (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound of peeled and deveined raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted and foaming, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly opaque, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with shrimp and garlic butter. Toss gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky and light.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and toss again. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to avoid steaming and rubbery texture. Watch garlic closely to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, garlic butter sauce, shrimp recipe