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Are you searching for a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and filled with bold flavors? This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a must-try for anyone looking for healthy dinner ideas that are weeknight-friendly and guaranteed to please the whole family. With a luscious garlic butter sauce, juicy shrimp, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this easy pasta dish is ready in less than 20 minutes and fits perfectly into your supper ideas list.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons, divided |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 pound |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Freshly grated parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Handy affiliate equipment links:
- Pots for boiling pasta
- Chef’s knives and cutting board for prepping ingredients
- Colander strainer basket for draining pasta
- Electric mixer (optional, for quick cheese prepping)
- Kitchen utensils and frying pans for sautéing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta using your colander.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side shrimp should turn opaque pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and about half of the reserved pasta water. Mix to create a silky sauce.
- Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, adding more pasta water if needed for a saucier texture. Add shrimp back to the pan and toss everything to coat.
- Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Frying pan or skillet
- Kitchen utensils
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons set
- Mixing bowls
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding cheese and lemon.
- Time-saving tip: Use frozen peeled shrimp for even faster prep.
- Add any cooked veggies or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Keep an eye on the garlic it cooks fast, so avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely! Linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work great in this recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! To make it less spicy, simply reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water, or microwave in intervals.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes. Quickly toss them in the skillet to heat through with the garlic butter sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for olive oil and omit or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Quick and easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce with parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and parsley. Perfect healthy weeknight dinner that’s kid-friendly and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain well and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt two tablespoons butter. Add shrimp, salt and crushed red pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp is opaque pink. Remove from heat and set aside on a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Add the parmesan cheese, lemon and pasta water and stir to combine to create a sauce.
4. Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add the shrimp on top and toss to combine.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding cheese
Use frozen peeled shrimp for even faster prep time
Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost
Make it dairy-free by substituting olive oil for butter and using dairy-free parmesan
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