Want a tasty dinner fast? Our 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is perfect. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves to cook.
At RecipeKeepers.com, we believe in simple, delicious meals. This recipe is fast and tastes like it came from a restaurant. You’ll need just a few ingredients and some basic prep to make a dish everyone will love.
Picture this: tender shrimp in a creamy garlic butter sauce, mixed with al dente pasta. Our 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is more than food. It’s a quick way to make your dinner table feel special.
Why This Quick Shrimp Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Weeknight dinners can be tough for busy families. Our 15-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta is here to change that! It turns dinner into a fun cooking experience.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Imagine making a meal as good as a restaurant in no time. This recipe is quick, taking only 20 minutes to cook and prepare. It’s perfect for families with lots to do.
The dish is easy to make in three steps:
- Boil pasta (5 minutes)
- Sauté shrimp (3-4 minutes)
- Create garlic butter sauce (2-3 minutes)
Restaurant-Quality Results
Great flavor doesn’t need to be hard. Our recipe shows you can make gourmet food at home. Use fresh ingredients and cook with care.
Jumbo shrimp, garlic, and good butter make this pasta special.
Budget-Friendly Seafood Dinner
Seafood doesn’t have to cost a lot. This recipe is under $15, making it just $3.75 per serving. You’ll get:
- ¾ lb succulent shrimp
- ½ lb perfectly cooked pasta
- Rich garlic butter sauce
- Approximately 33% protein per serving
This shrimp pasta is a hit with families. It’s full of flavor and easy to make.
Essential Ingredients for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Making the perfect seafood pasta begins with choosing top-notch ingredients. Our 15-minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe uses a few key items. These ingredients turn simple parts into a meal fit for a restaurant.
Pasta Selection
For this Seafood Pasta, we suggest using:
- 9-12 ounces of spaghetti
- Angel hair pasta
- Linguine
Protein Powerhouse
The main attraction of our Garlic Butter Sauce is fresh shrimp. Look for:
- 1 pound of large shrimp (12-15 count)
- Peeled and deveined
- Preferably fresh, but high-quality frozen works too
Flavor Boosters
To make the signature Garlic Butter Sauce, gather these ingredients:
- 3-6 tablespoons of real butter
- 2-5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Pro tip: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in your Seafood Pasta. Fresh garlic, real butter, and just-caught shrimp will take this simple dish from good to amazing!
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Creating delicious One-Pot Meals is easy without a fancy kitchen. Just a few key tools will help you make this tasty garlic butter shrimp pasta.
Must-Have Cookware for One-Pot Meals
Start your cooking journey with some basic but important kitchen gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large pasta pot
- Spacious skillet
- Colander for draining
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Optional Time-Saving Tools
These tools aren’t necessary but can speed up your cooking:
- Garlic press
- Microplane grater
- Digital kitchen scale
Measuring Essentials
Getting the right measurements is key in cooking. Here are some tools you should have:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Measuring spoons | Accurate seasoning |
| Measuring cups | Precise ingredient portions |
| Kitchen thermometer | Checking shrimp doneness |
Pro tip: Quality tools make cooking not just easier, but more enjoyable! Remember, the most important ingredient is the love you put into your meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making these Quick Shrimp Recipes is simpler than you think! We’ll guide you through easy steps to turn your kitchen into a culinary wonderland.
- Pasta Preparation: Start by boiling a large pot of water with salt. Cook 12 oz of linguine until it’s al dente, which takes about 8-9 minutes.
- Shrimp Cooking: While the pasta cooks, heat a big skillet over medium-high. Add 3-4 tablespoons of butter and cook 1 pound of shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Garlic Infusion: Add 5-6 minced garlic cloves to the shrimp. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
The key to great Quick Shrimp Recipes is timing and heat. Keep an eye on your shrimp. They should turn pink and curl up, showing they’re done.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Linguine | 12 oz | 8-9 minutes |
| Shrimp | 1 pound | 1-2 minutes per side |
| Garlic | 5-6 cloves | 30 seconds |
Easy Pasta Dishes tip: Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water makes a smooth sauce that sticks well to your pasta and shrimp.
Your garlic butter shrimp pasta is almost ready! Mix the pasta with the shrimp, toss with the remaining butter, and top with fresh parsley. Dinner is ready!
Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce
Making a top-notch garlic butter sauce is an art. It can turn a simple meal into a feast. Our Lemon Garlic Shrimp pasta needs a sauce that’s creamy and full of flavor.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The secret to a great garlic butter sauce is its texture. You want it smooth and silky. This way, it sticks well to your pasta and shrimp. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Use reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce
- Whisk continuously while adding butter
- Control heat to prevent separation
Balancing Flavors
A top garlic butter sauce needs the right mix of flavors. Use 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced finely. Pro tip: Cook the garlic quickly to get its aroma without burning.
Adding Extra Depth
Make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp sauce even better with some surprises. Try adding white wine, fresh lemon, or red pepper flakes. These can turn a basic sauce into something amazing.
- Splash of dry white wine
- Fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh parsley
The secret to a great garlic butter sauce is in the details. Take your time, taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
Cooking shrimp for your Seafood Pasta can be tricky. But with a few key tips, you’ll master the art of preparing tender, delicious shrimp every time. The secret lies in understanding their quick cooking process and knowing exactly when to remove them from heat.
When preparing Shrimp Scampi, timing is everything. Here are some crucial guidelines to ensure perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Watch for color changes: Shrimp are done when they turn from translucent to a bright pink color
- Cook quickly: Shrimp typically need only 1-2 minutes to cook completely
- Avoid overcooking: Remove from heat as soon as they become opaque
Temperature control is critical when preparing your Seafood Pasta. Start with medium-high heat and be prepared to remove the pan from the stove quickly. Shrimp continue cooking even after being removed from direct heat, so timing is crucial.
Pro tip for Shrimp Scampi lovers: Use large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. They’re more forgiving and provide a more satisfying bite in your pasta dish. Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming.
Remember, undercooked shrimp can be unsafe, but overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. The sweet spot is just when they turn pink and curl slightly – that’s your signal of perfectly cooked shrimp!
Customization Options and Variations
Easy Pasta Dishes are incredibly flexible. Our Parmesan Shrimp Pasta recipe is a great starting point for creativity. You can add your own twist with different ingredients and techniques.
Exploring Pasta Alternatives
While spaghetti is great, don’t stop there! Try these tasty pasta options:
- Linguine
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Gluten-free pasta varieties
Sauce Modifications
Want to change up the garlic butter sauce? Here’s how:
- Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes
- Creamy twist: Mix in some heavy cream
- Mediterranean style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Additional Mix-ins
Make your Parmesan Shrimp Pasta even better with these extras:
- Fresh baby spinach
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Crispy bacon bits
- Sliced mushrooms
- Chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano
Cooking is all about expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make this recipe your own!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta fresh is simple. Our Weeknight Dinners guide makes it easy to enjoy this dish later. Here’s how to store and reheat your tasty pasta.
- Use an airtight container to keep it fresh
- Put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking
- It stays good for up to 3 days in the fridge
Reheating needs care to keep the pasta and shrimp soft. Here are some tips:
- Take the pasta out of the fridge 10 minutes before heating
- Use a dish safe for the microwave
- Add a bit of water or chicken stock to avoid dryness
- Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time
- Heat for 1-2 minutes total
To store for longer, you can freeze your dish for 2 months. Put it in a freezer-safe container, squeezing out air to stop freezer burn.
Pro tip: Don’t refreeze pasta that’s already been frozen. This keeps your meal fresh and safe to eat within the recommended time.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Our quick and easy seafood pasta is more than just tasty—it’s full of good stuff. It has proteins, healthy fats, and important minerals. With 204 calories per serving, it’s a lean protein source from shrimp. Shrimp also gives you omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and brain.
This recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the shrimp. It’s low in calories, making it great for those watching their diet. Fresh parsley adds vitamins and antioxidants, boosting your meal’s nutritional value.
Sunkist® lemons add a burst of vitamin C, giving you 25% of your daily needs in one serving. They also bring dietary fiber and antioxidants like citric acid and d-limonene. These may help lower heart disease risk and support your overall health. Our 15-minute seafood pasta shows quick meals can be both tasty and nutritious.
Looking at the macronutrients, this dish is a balanced meal. It has about 32 grams of protein, 44 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of fat per serving. It’s a great choice for any diet, giving you energy and essential nutrients in every bite.