Easy Weeknight Dinners: 5 Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
If you’re hunting for Easy Weeknight Dinners that feel a little “fancy” but still fit real-life schedules, this one is it. This 5 Ingredient Dinner is buttery, garlicky, and comforting in the best way—and it comes together in about 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This (Easy Weeknight Dinner Win)
This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Here’s why:
- Big flavor with simple ingredients: Butter + garlic + Parmesan is one of those “can’t miss” combinations.
- Fast enough for real life: When we say Easy Weeknight Dinners, we mean dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat.
- Minimal cleanup: One skillet for the shrimp and one pot for the pasta. That’s it!
The 5 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Linguine (or spaghetti) | 12 oz |
| Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb |
| Salted butter | 6 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| Parmesan (freshly grated) | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Crucial Tip: Save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining!
2. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp of butter. Add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds (don’t let it brown). Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Toss and Finish
Turn heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the pasta to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of the pasta water and the Parmesan. Toss until a silky sauce forms. Add shrimp back in and serve!
Variations
To keep this 5 Ingredient Dinner fresh, you can swap the linguine for penne or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon at the end also adds a great brightness to the garlic butter sauce!
Visit Easy Dinners For You for more inspiration!