If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this cozy garlic butter shrimp pasta is just the ticket. It’s ready in only 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
- This recipe is super quick to prepare, ideal for those busy nights.
- It features shrimp and garlic, making it a delicious treat for seafood lovers.
- The creamy butter sauce is comforting and pairs perfectly with pasta.
- It’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes
Making this dish is easy and fast. You’ll boil some pasta while preparing a garlic butter sauce with shrimp. The combination creates a delightful meal everyone will enjoy. For more pasta ideas, check out this page on 5-ingredient pasta recipes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions
Get your pasta water boiling. Fill your large pot with water—about 4-5 quarts—and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. While the water comes to a boil, prep your ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, squeeze the lemon juice, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook the pasta. Drop your linguine or spaghetti into the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Start the garlic butter. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Cook the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Deglaze the pan. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
Finish the sauce. Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted. Scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and transfer directly to the skillet.
Toss everything together. Add the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and half the parsley. Toss with tongs, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately, topped with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes
To serve, you can garnish with fresh parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or crusty bread for dipping. This makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
How to Store Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- For a creamy version, stir in a bit of heavy cream after adding the pasta.
Variations
- Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops to change up the protein.
- Try different herbs such as basil or chives for a unique flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What if I don’t have white wine? Chicken broth is a great substitute.
- Can I make this pasta in advance? It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble quickly.
Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Get your pasta water boiling. Fill your large pot with water—about 4-5 quarts—and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
- While the water comes to a boil, prep your ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, squeeze the lemon juice, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Drop your linguine or spaghetti into the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted.
- Scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and transfer directly to the skillet.
- Add the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and half the parsley. Toss with tongs, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve immediately, topped with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
