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Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Spring Peas

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image

A quick and satisfying pasta dish featuring seared shrimp, fresh spring peas, and a silky garlic butter sauce brightened with lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup fresh spring peas or frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp dry using paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear each side for about 1.5-2 minutes until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Stir in 1 cup fresh or thawed spring peas and cook for 2 minutes until tender but still bright green. Squeeze in juice of 1/2 lemon and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss until pasta is well coated and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before searing to get a good caramelized crust. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Cook shrimp in batches if pan is small to prevent overcrowding. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese if desired. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, spring peas pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, seafood pasta, garlic shrimp, spring recipe