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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Lemon

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A quick and easy 20-minute recipe combining buttery shrimp, garlic, and bright lemon over pasta for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine (can substitute gluten-free pasta)
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons) plus zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) of peeled, deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons (60g) butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter melts and starts to foam, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn it.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and curled.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Squeeze juice of 1 large lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle in lemon zest if using. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss shrimp to coat evenly.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. If it feels dry, pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching a silky consistency. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine.
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, topping with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or serve with a lemon wedge.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so watch heat carefully. Variations include adding vegetables, using gluten-free pasta, or swapping butter for vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, lemon shrimp pasta, easy dinner, 20-minute recipe, garlic shrimp, pasta with shrimp, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-with-lemon-easy-20-minute-recipe/