Print

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

quick garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and flavorful pasta dish featuring garlicky butter shrimp and sweet cherry tomatoes, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450 g) of shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika if using.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (30 g) of unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 g) of butter. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet with the tomatoes. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta nicely.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Plate immediately and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure proper searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy shrimp. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Garlic burns quickly, so add it carefully to melted butter.

Nutrition

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

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