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5-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A quick garlic butter shrimp pasta with tender shrimp, parmesan, lemon, and a simple buttery sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that still feels special.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Extra parmesan optional for serving

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 colander
  • 1 tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  6. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  7. Add the cooked pasta, parmesan, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Toss until the pasta is glossy and lightly coated.
  9. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  10. Finish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra parmesan if desired.
  11. Serve warm.

Notes

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so avoid overcooking it. Save pasta water before draining because it helps the butter and parmesan turn into a light, glossy sauce. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water, milk, or broth.