Quick Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Butter Linguine
Tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter tossed with linguine and fresh lemon zest for a bright, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, (for pasta water) salt, divided unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp (for pasta water) salt
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 8 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add the cooked linguine, reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Toss gently over medium heat until butter melts and sauce coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with pasta for 1 minute until heated through.
- Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Butter Linguine take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Quick Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Butter Linguine?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Butter Linguine?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Butter Linguine for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Quick Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Butter Linguine?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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