Easy • Seafood
Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A lightning-fast pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp in a glossy garlic-butter sauce.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Easy
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When you need a delicious dinner on the table in a flash, this Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is your answer! It's elegant enough for a special occasion but truly simple enough for a busy weeknight. The tender shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a hint of lemon come together in a magical way that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, or use more broth)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Pour in broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Step 4
Stir in butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce.
Step 5
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- For a little more substance, add some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes to the finished dish.
- Always reserve pasta water – it's a secret weapon for creating silky sauces and helping them cling to the pasta.
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