Print

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Best 15 Minute Easy Dinner

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines nutty browned butter, fragrant garlic, and tender shrimp with al dente pasta for a delicious, stress-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it foam and then subside. Watch for the butter to turn a light golden brown and smell nutty—this takes about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, reducing slightly.
  7. Add the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs, making sure the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
  8. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the chopped parsley and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook in 2-3 minutes total. Reserve pasta water for a silky sauce. Work quickly and have ingredients prepped. For extra emulsified sauce, add a tablespoon of cold butter after the pasta water. Season as you go for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

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

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