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15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Best Kid-Approved Easy Dinner

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This kid-approved recipe uses simple ingredients and a clever technique to create a silky, flavorful sauce that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. While the water heats, mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, chop the parsley, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  3. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes for al dente). Just before draining, reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water.
  4. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer.
  5. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes on the first side until pink and lightly golden, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the butter-oil mixture in the pan.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  7. Drain the pasta (reserving the water) and add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Add the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss with tongs for about 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand.
  8. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, add most of the parsley, and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, divided among bowls, topped with remaining parsley and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should curl into a loose C shape. Reserve more pasta water than needed (up to 1 cup) for adjusting sauce consistency. Use cold butter for better emulsification. Do not rinse the pasta after draining. For best results, serve immediately.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evadinnerideas.com/15-minute-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-best-kid-approved-easy-dinner/