15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This luxurious garlic butter shrimp pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 15 minutes. The combination of succulent shrimp and al dente pasta bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce creates the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something impressive yet effortless for an impromptu dinner party. It was such a hit that it's now my go-to dish whenever I want to make someone feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine: Quality matters here as it's the foundation of the dish
• 1 lb large shrimp: Look for wild caught when possible for the best flavor
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates the silky base for your sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Prevents butter from burning while adding fruity notes
• 5 cloves garlic: The heart of the dish use fresh not pre minced for vibrant flavor
• 1 lemon zest and juice: Adds brightness that cuts through the richness
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Provides color and a fresh herbaceous finish
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated for proper melting and flavor
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning is crucial use kosher salt for better control
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a pleasant warming heat

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water adding 1 tablespoon salt per quart of water. Bring to a rolling boil before adding pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente typically 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining reserve half cup of starchy pasta water this is crucial for creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. The pasta water contains starches that help emulsify the sauce.

Prepare the Shrimp:

While pasta cooks thoroughly pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season evenly with salt pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Removing excess moisture is key to getting a good sear rather than steaming the shrimp.

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil allowing butter to melt completely but not brown. Arrange shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan work in batches if necessary. Cook for exactly 1 to 2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to a clean plate to prevent overcooking.

Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium to prevent burning the garlic. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet allowing it to melt. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned as burnt garlic becomes bitter. Immediately add lemon zest and juice which will stop the garlic from cooking further and deglaze the pan capturing all the flavorful bits from cooking the shrimp.

Combine Everything:

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet tossing gently to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet. Pour in about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water gradually adding more as needed. Toss continuously using tongs for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta beautifully. The pasta will continue absorbing flavors as you toss.

Finish and Serve:

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if using. Toss once more to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately in warmed bowls to maintain the perfect temperature and sauce consistency.

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The quality of your shrimp makes a tremendous difference in this dish. I discovered this when I splurged on fresh wild caught shrimp from my local fishmonger instead of using frozen ones. The natural sweetness and firm texture elevated the entire dish to new heights. While more expensive it transformed a simple weeknight meal into something truly special.

Perfect Pairings

This garlic butter shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The freshness cuts through the richness of the pasta creating a balanced meal. For wine lovers a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish perfectly with their bright acidity and citrus notes. If you prefer a non alcoholic option sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works wonderfully.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted based on what you have available. No shrimp? Substitute with scallops for an equally luxurious result or use chunks of chicken breast for a more economical option. The pasta can be switched to any shape you prefer though long strands like linguine or fettuccine hold the sauce best. For a gluten free version use your favorite gluten free pasta and for dairy free diners replace butter with additional olive oil and omit the Parmesan.

Make It Ahead

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking you can prep components ahead of time to make the 15 minute timeline even more manageable. Clean and season the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Mince garlic chop parsley and zest the lemon earlier in the day. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator. When dinner time arrives you can focus solely on the cooking process which truly takes just minutes.

Elevate Your Presentation

Transform this simple pasta dish into a restaurant worthy presentation with a few simple touches. Serve in wide shallow bowls rather than plates allowing the sauce to pool beautifully around the pasta. Add a final drizzle of high quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving for a glossy finish and enhanced flavor. Garnish with additional fresh herbs a twist of lemon and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. These small details make a significant visual impact with minimal effort.

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Serve immediately in warmed bowls to maintain the perfect temperature and sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Yes, scallops or chicken can be used instead. Adjust the cooking time; chicken should be cooked through before combining with pasta.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, but any long pasta can be used. Whole-wheat or gluten-free options work well too.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the parmesan. The dish will remain flavorful and light.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

Try adding smoked paprika when sautéing garlic or swapping parsley for basil. A splash of white wine can deepen the sauce.

→ Is this meal good for meal prep?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days and reheated gently.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

Crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the bright and savory flavors perfectly.