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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Lemon and Parsley

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A fast, flavorful shrimp pasta dish with garlic butter, lemon, and fresh parsley, perfect for busy weeknights and ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp, medium or large size
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons (about 55g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet and let melt slowly. Stir in lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon, plus a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let butter bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with the butter sauce. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky sauce.
  7. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and toss once more. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh lemon zest adds essential aroma and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Frozen shrimp can be used if thawed and dried properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight meal, lemon parsley pasta, easy shrimp recipe, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-lemon-and-parsley-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/