Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Restaurant-quality meal in 15 minutes
✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Perfectly cooked shrimp every time
✔ Creamy, garlicky sauce without heavy cream
✔ Easily customizable with veggies or protein

Ingredients

Serves 2-3

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 lemon (zested + juiced)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional: ¼ cup white wine, cherry tomatoes, spinach

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring salted water to boil (tastes like the sea!)
2. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining

2. Sauté the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt/pepper
2. Melt 1 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium-high
3. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink
4. Remove and set aside

3. Make the Sauce

1. In same skillet, melt remaining butter
2. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes 30 seconds (don’t burn!)
3. Optional: Deglaze with white wine, simmer 1 minute
4. Add ¼ cup pasta water, lemon zest/juice

4. Combine Everything

1. Add drained pasta to skillet with sauce
2. Toss well, adding more pasta water as needed
3. Stir in shrimp, Parmesan, and parsley
4. Season to taste

Pro Tips for Success

🔥 For extra flavor: Sear shrimp in olive oil first
🧄 Garlic hack: Use a microplane for super-fine garlic
🍋 Brighten it up: Add lemon juice at the end
🧀 Creamier sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese

Variations

• Cajun Style: Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach or roasted tomatoes

Serving Suggestions

🍞 Garlic bread
🥗 Simple green salad
🍷 Crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories: 520 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 18g

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw in cold water first and pat very dry.

Q: How to store leftovers?
A: 3 days in fridge (reheat with splash of water/milk).

Q: No white wine?
A: Substitute with chicken broth + 1 tsp vinegar.

Why This Recipe Works

This shrimp pasta hits all the right notes:
✅ Fast (faster than delivery!)
✅ Simple (no fancy techniques)
✅ Adaptable (endless variations)
✅ Impressive (tastes like fine dining)

Try it tonight and taste the difference fresh ingredients make! 🍤🍝

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