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Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp in a buttery, garlicky cream sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special date night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound (225g) peeled and deveined medium-sized shrimp
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Lower heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to coat well in the sauce. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid rubbery texture. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. If sauce splits, whisk in a splash more cream or pasta water off heat. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream, omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, 15-minute dinner

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/quick-creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-15-minute-dinner/