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Light Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy weeknight pasta featuring tender shrimp, al dente spaghetti, and a silky garlic butter sauce made with pasta water and fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 15 minutes, this light yet indulgent dish is perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While it heats, prep ingredients: mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, chop parsley, and pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. About 1 minute before done, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta (do not rinse) and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted and sizzling, add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer about 1 minute until slightly reduced and thickened.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat in garlic butter sauce. Add lemon juice and lemon zest; toss again. If too dry, add more pasta water; if too loose, cook 30 seconds more.
  7. Add cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss once more. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  8. Serve immediately, dividing pasta between bowls. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you need—it’s the secret to a silky sauce. Don’t overcook shrimp; they’re done when pink and form a loose ‘C’ shape. For best results, have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook.

Nutrition

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

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