20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Introduction

Ever crave a restaurant-quality pasta dish but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? This 20-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta is your answer! Creamy, garlicky, and packed with juicy shrimp, it’s the ultimate quick & easy meal for busy weeknights. Bonus: It uses pantry staples and requires just one pot!

In this fast-paced world, finding time to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal can feel like a challenge. That’s where this recipe comes in. Perfectly cooked shrimp, combined with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, brings the taste of an Italian restaurant right to your kitchen. Imagine the satisfaction of whipping up a gourmet dish in mere minutes, allowing you to spend more time with family or to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation.

This recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, consider adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even asparagus. Each addition not only ups the nutritional value but also enhances the dish’s visual appeal, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

• Ready in 20 minutes: Perfect for rushed evenings.
• Minimal cleanup: Cook everything in one skillet.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour it.
• Customizable: Swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies!

Ingredients – For this 20-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta, you will need:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or linguine, or any pasta of your choice that cooks quickly)
• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined; you can use large shrimp for a more substantial bite)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (the star of the sauce, providing richness and flavor)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced, but you can use more if you’re a garlic lover)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option; for dairy-free, consider coconut cream)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated will yield the best flavor)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended for a bit of heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste (always taste as you go to get the seasoning just right)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish; this not only adds color but also a hint of freshness)

• 12 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pro Tip: “Use pre-peeled shrimp to save time!”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine: Toss cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce. Mix well and garnish with parsley.

Total Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

With this breakdown, you can see just how manageable it is to prepare this dish even on the busiest of nights!

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutritional Info

Per Serving:

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 28g

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking.

Pro Tip: “To ensure your shrimp are cooked perfectly, look for shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a translucent color. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can turn rubbery very quickly. Cooking them until they are just opaque is the key to achieving that tender texture!”

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

As the shrimp cooks, they will change color from a grayish hue to a pinkish-orange, which is a sign that they are almost done. When sautéing shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce as well! If you’re a fan of lemon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist. Alternatively, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic to deepen the overall flavor profile.

After mixing the pasta with the sauce and shrimp, take a moment to taste the dish. This is the perfect time to adjust any seasonings. If you find it needs more salt, or if you prefer a bit more spice, feel free to add additional red pepper flakes at this stage.

Conclusion & CTA

Conclusion & CTA

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a hungry family, this garlic butter shrimp pasta is guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. It’s a dish that balances flavors, colors, and textures while being incredibly easy to pull together. Pin this recipe for later, or share your creation with us on Instagram using #QuickEatsByIfryy. Don’t forget to subscribe for more 20-minute meals delivered to your inbox. Embrace the joy of cooking with quick, delicious recipes that bring happiness to your kitchen!

External Resources

• American Heart Association Healthy Eating Guidelines
• Sustainable Seafood Recommendations

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Nutritional Benefits: Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also offers several nutritional benefits. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, low in calories and saturated fat, while providing essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. The addition of garlic not only enhances the flavor but also has antioxidant properties and may help boost your immune system. When paired with whole grain pasta, this dish can be part of a balanced meal!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately. Just reheat before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.

Q: What is the best type of shrimp to use?
A: Look for wild-caught shrimp with a firm texture. Some popular varieties include Gulf shrimp or Pacific white shrimp. Always ensure they are sustainably sourced.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Q: How can I make this garlic butter shrimp pasta more filling?
A: To make the dish more filling, you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce!