Description
A bright, buttery shrimp pasta dish that comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat if done early to prevent overcooking.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest. If the sauce needs loosening, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon if desired.
- Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, if using.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap half the butter for extra-virgin olive oil. Shrimp should be thawed and dried before cooking to avoid steaming.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian