Garlic-Butter Shrimp Pasta with Lemon & Red Pepper Flakes
Ingredients
- 1 poundshrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
- 12 ouncespasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 4 tablespoonbutter
- 5 clovesgarlic
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 wholelemon
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ cupfresh parsley
- ½ cupparmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Prep
- 01
Mince 5 cloves garlic.
- 02
Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
- 03
Grate 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
Method
- 01
Bring a large, deep skillet of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9–12 minutes. Do not drain; reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set aside.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl and stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- 03
When pasta is al dente, push it to the sides of the skillet, creating a bare center. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the center, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until foaming, about 1 minute.
- 04
Add shrimp to the center and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to turn pink. Pour in the garlic-butter mixture and stir everything together. Continue cooking until shrimp are fully opaque, another 1–2 minutes.
- 05
Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the pan and add 3/4 cup pasta water. Toss everything together and simmer for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky finish.
- 06
Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper. Divide into bowls, top with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a small pinch of cayenne. If you like herbaceous notes, stir in fresh basil or tarragon at the end. A few capers or anchovy fillets whisked into the butter add umami depth.
The whole recipe comes together in one skillet in under 20 minutes. If you prefer a touch more richness, add a splash of white wine after the garlic step before adding the shrimp.