This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate dinner ideas go-to for busy weeknights: succulent shrimp and al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious garlic-butter sauce, ready in just a quarter-hour. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s both beginner-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Below you’ll find all the details—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and nutritional notes—each optimized for search and reader engagement.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic & Shrimp: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low; stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest until butter melts. Add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce as needed.
- Combine & Serve: Toss drained pasta into skillet, coating evenly with the garlic-butter sauce and shrimp. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—once they turn pink and curl, remove them promptly to avoid rubberiness.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let shrimp come to room temperature for even cooking.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice lacks brightness; fresh juice and zest elevate the sauce
- Customize Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference
- Pasta Water Magic: The starchy pasta water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce for a silky finish
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a balanced meal.
- A crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio complements the buttery garlic flavors beautifully.
- Leftovers reheat well—simply add a splash of olive oil and warm gently in a skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I swap penne or fettuccine for spaghetti?
A: Absolutely—any long or short pasta works, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp separately. Reheat with fresh pasta for optimal texture.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute vegan butter or additional olive oil in place of butter.
