Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

2025-08-13

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in rich garlic butter and tossed with tender angel hair pasta, fresh lemon, and Parmesan for a bright finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the effort.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: ~25 min

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) angel hair pasta
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
4 Tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon + 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup (45 g) finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
Season shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and the pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 2 Tbsp butter and olive oil. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just pink; transfer to a plate.
Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter and garlic; sauté 30–60 seconds (do not brown). Stir in red pepper flakes, then wine/broth and lemon juice. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add drained pasta; toss to coat. Sprinkle in Parmesan and a splash of pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings to noodles.
Return shrimp and any juices. Add lemon zest and parsley; toss 30 seconds. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to taste.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.