Save this easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! 🍤🍋 Juicy shrimp and tender pasta are tossed in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Ready in just 25 minutes, this flavorful pasta is perfect for a quick lunch or easy family meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
When you need something quick but don’t want another sandwich or salad, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delicious lunch option.
Tender shrimp are quickly sautéed in butter, then combined with garlic, fresh lemon, Parmesan, and pasta. The sauce is intentionally simple—the butter and reserved pasta water create a silky coating without requiring heavy cream.
It’s fresh, satisfying, and ready in approximately 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- 500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve approximately half a cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Drying the shrimp helps them develop better color when they hit the hot skillet.
Cook the shrimp
Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
Avoid cooking them for too long, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate.
Make the garlic butter sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining butter to the same skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the broth and allow it to simmer briefly.
Add the lemon zest and a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice.
Combine everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.
Gradually add a little reserved pasta water while tossing until the butter and liquid form a glossy sauce that coats the pasta.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Toss again until evenly combined.
Serve
Divide the pasta between bowls.
Finish with additional Parmesan, parsley, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Remove them from the skillet once they’re pink and opaque.
Save your pasta water. The starch helps the butter and liquid come together into a smoother sauce.
Use fresh garlic. Since garlic is one of the dominant flavors, freshly minced cloves work especially well.
Add lemon gradually. Start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more.
Easy Variations
Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Add approximately ½ cup of cooking cream after sautéing the garlic and allow it to simmer gently before adding the pasta.
Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Stir a few handfuls of baby spinach into the skillet just before adding the pasta.
Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté them briefly with the garlic.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a little fresh chili.
What to Serve With It
This pasta works well on its own for lunch, but you can pair it with garlic bread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, or a tomato-cucumber salad.
A simple side of fresh fruit also works well for a lighter lunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water.
Shrimp can become tough when repeatedly reheated, so warm the pasta only until heated through.
Final Note
Buttery garlic, bright lemon, Parmesan, tender shrimp, and pasta make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta an easy way to turn a handful of ingredients into a satisfying lunch.
With only about 25 minutes between starting and serving, it’s especially useful when you want something homemade without spending your afternoon in the kitchen.
Yummyyyyy
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