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15-Minute Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce tossed with pasta. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8–10 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Splash of dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente (8-10 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
  5. Pour in white wine and simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
  6. Add heavy cream, stir to combine, and let it come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add shrimp to the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the cheese melt smoothly into a glossy sauce.
  9. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, coating evenly. Add shrimp back to the pan and toss gently.
  10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to prevent steaming and ensure a good sear. Do not overcook shrimp as they will become rubbery; they are done when pink and opaque. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated to ensure smooth melting. Save pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy garlic butter, weeknight dinner, quick recipes, easy pasta, seafood dinner, 15 minute meals

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