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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy 30-Minute Dinner with Peas and Lemon

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta with peas and lemon, ready in 30 minutes. This comforting dish features a silky butter sauce with bright lemon zest and tender shrimp, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 1.5-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in lemon zest and juice, plus thawed peas. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  9. Serve immediately for best creamy texture.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Use moderate heat to prevent garlic from burning. Serve immediately as sauce thickens upon cooling. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free versions. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and skip or replace Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, shrimp pasta with peas, lemon pasta, weeknight dinner, 30-minute meal