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Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta Ready in 20 Minutes

A close-up of a white bowl filled with Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta Ready in 20 Minutes, garnished with parsley.
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Make a bright and flavorful shrimp pasta dish with a simple lemon butter sauce in under 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the white wine or broth and let it simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice until the sauce emulsifies slightly.
  8. Add the drained pasta, cooked shrimp, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together.
  9. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta nicely.
  10. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in this quick sauce.
  • If you do not have white wine, use chicken broth or vegetable broth for the liquid base.
  • For a richer sauce, add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese at the very end, off the heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/lemon-butter-shrimp-pasta-ready-in-20-minutes/