Print

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy 20 Minute Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes

quick garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring garlic butter sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes, ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a balance of rich and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 ½ cups (about 250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons (about 60g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Stir in 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Cook garlic on medium heat to prevent burning. Unsalted butter is preferred for better seasoning control. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives. Adding a splash of white wine can enhance flavor. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently in skillet with splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, cherry tomatoes, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-with-cherry-tomatoes/