Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
20 MINUTE MEALS
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta🦐
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This is one of those meals that tastes like you ordered it at a restaurant… but you made it in your kitchen in under 30 minutes. It’s buttery, garlicky, fresh, and just a little fancy ✨
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook fast.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add remaining butter.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant (not browned).
Stir in lemon juice.
4️⃣ Bring It All Together
Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
5️⃣ Serve
Top with grated Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while warm.
🍽 Optional Add-Ins
Spinach (stir in at the end until wilted)
Cherry tomatoes
A splash of white wine (add before lemon and simmer 1–2 minutes)
Extra lemon zest for brightness