Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This quick garlic butter shrimp pasta is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Succulent shrimp are sautéed with aromatic garlic, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a bright splash of lemon juice to create a perfectly glossy sauce. It is an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort and simple ingredients. The addition of reserved pasta water helps emulsify the butter and oil into a silky coating that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the cherry tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the tomatoes.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, pour in the lemon juice, and toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce.
Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure you do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just opaque. Use gluten-free pasta if needed, following the package instructions for boiling times. If you prefer a more intense tomato flavor, substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh basil is a great alternative to parsley.