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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy 20-Minute Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring garlic butter and fresh cherry tomatoes, ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful meal combines simple ingredients for a comforting yet fresh dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with paper towels.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until just opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  5. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still hold their shape. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with tomatoes. Add the drained pasta and pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring gently to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta without being too watery.
  7. Squeeze in juice of half a lemon for brightness. Toss everything together carefully for about 1 minute over low heat.
  8. Stir in chopped parsley if using, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Dry shrimp before cooking to ensure a good sear. Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Add pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce. Watch shrimp closely to prevent overcooking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-with-cherry-tomatoes/