Print

Quick Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

garlic lemon butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring a bright, buttery garlic-lemon sauce with seared shrimp and spaghetti. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, thaw the shrimp by running frozen shrimp under cold water for 5 minutes if needed, then pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter. Once butter is melted and slightly foamy, add minced garlic (4 cloves) and red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional).
  4. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  6. Add lemon zest from 1 lemon and the juice of half the lemon. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 seconds.
  7. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Salt pasta water generously for best flavor. Thaw and pat dry shrimp before cooking to ensure proper searing. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky sauce. Avoid burning garlic by cooking gently over medium heat. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/quick-garlic-lemon-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-15-minute-dinner-idea/