Print

Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

quick creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. This dish features tender shrimp and al dente pasta coated in a silky garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size)
  • 8 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1–2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in chicken broth or white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  7. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Add cooked pasta to the pan. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Toss pasta in sauce before serving to absorb flavors. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine and heavy cream with coconut cream. Gluten-free pasta options work well.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/quick-creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-easy-dinner-tonight/