Print

Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy and Ready in 15 Minutes

quick garlic shrimp pasta - featured image

A fast, flavorful garlic shrimp pasta dish ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute dinners or busy weeknights. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and offers a delicious, satisfying meal with a fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp, medium-sized (frozen or fresh)
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine (can substitute gluten-free or whole wheat pasta)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

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 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until edges start turning pink, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and curled. Avoid overcooking.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) of dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and combined. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky and smooth.
  8. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over the pasta and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Toss once more and remove from heat.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra parsley or a lemon wedge.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper browning. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the dish. Multitask by heating skillet while pasta water boils. Shrimp cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick garlic shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta, 15-minute dinner, garlic shrimp recipe, weeknight pasta, seafood pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe