Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Easy Garlic Butter Dinner

Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Easy Garlic Butter Dinner

A tender and flavorful shrimp pasta in a silky garlic butter sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for an impressive yet simple weeknight dinner.

Print Pin

Course: pasta

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Calories: 420kcal

Author: Eva Stoner

Ingredients

450g (1 lb) spaghetti or linguine
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
50g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, salt to taste, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not browned.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until just opaque and pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency. Add the lemon juice and parsley, if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, top with additional lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Do not overcook the shrimp—once cooked, they can become rubbery.
Ensure your pan is large enough to hold the pasta and sauce without overcrowding, which can lower the pan's temperature and affect browning or cooking the ingredients properly.
Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the sauce feels too thick.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream (optional).

Nutrition