15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This 15-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It features succulent, high-heat seared shrimp tossed with al dente pasta in a luxurious, silky garlic butter emulsion. Finished with a touch of fresh Parmesan and parsley, this elegant yet effortless meal provides a restaurant-quality experience in your own home with minimal cleanup required.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Heat half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and sear for two minutes per side until opaque.
Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved water to the skillet, tossing to combine.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until a creamy sauce forms.
Return shrimp to the pan, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure you reserve the pasta water, as the starch is key to creating a glossy sauce without heavy cream. Do not overcook the shrimp; removing them before finishing the sauce keeps them tender and juicy.