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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish with garlic butter sauce and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) peeled and deveined shrimp, preferably medium-sized (thawed if frozen)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint (about 250 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat 12 ounces (340 grams) of shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (56 grams) of butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add 1 pint (250 grams) of halved cherry tomatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, stirring occasionally.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet with tomatoes. Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Remove from heat, squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the pasta, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Toss again to combine.
  8. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky sauce. Keep garlic cooking on moderate heat to prevent burning. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, cherry tomato pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-delicious/