15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Name: 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; Salt for boiling water; 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Collection

This quick and easy 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and ready in no time!

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2025-12-30T19:41:34.521Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with perfectly al dente pasta, all tossed in a garlic butter sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes
Rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce
Perfectly cooked shrimp that adds a touch of elegance

      

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When life gets busy, finding time to prepare a delicious dinner can be a challenge. This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is designed to fit seamlessly into your hectic schedule. Not only does it come together in just a quarter of an hour, but it also delivers on taste, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

With its simplicity and speed, this dish allows you to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home without the stress. The combination of succulent shrimp and a rich garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a comforting and elegant dining experience, ideal for any occasion.

Flavorful Ingredients Make All the Difference

The foundation of this dish lies in its quality ingredients. Fresh shrimp, when cooked correctly, offer a delightful taste and texture that elevates the entire meal. Paired with a homemade garlic butter sauce, the shrimp absorb the rich flavors, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes your taste buds.

Additionally, the use of simple yet flavorful components like minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of lemon juice enhances the overall profile of the dish. These ingredients work together to create a delightful balance of savory and zesty notes, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Customizing Your Pasta Dish

One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, you can swap out the spaghetti for your favorite pasta type, such as linguine or fettuccine, to give the dish a different twist.

You can also add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to incorporate more nutrients and color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh crunch that complements the tender shrimp beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti
Salt for boiling water

For the Garlic Shrimp

250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Garlic Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water into the skillet with the shrimp. Add lemon juice and toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and quick meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some grated parmesan cheese on top before serving!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

When cooking shrimp, ensure they are fresh and properly cleaned. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent of the ocean. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become rubbery; they should turn pink and opaque when done, which typically takes just a few minutes.

If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving the Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

For a touch of elegance, serve the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge on the side. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a beautiful presentation, making your meal feel extra special.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked. You may want to add a splash of water or extra butter to help revive the sauce.

Keep in mind that while the dish is best enjoyed fresh, the flavors will still be delicious when reheated. Just be sure to watch the shrimp closely as they warm up to maintain their succulent texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for pasta?

You can use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta if you prefer a low-carb option.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers make great additions.