Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence — a quick, flavorful meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a hint of fresh herbs. This dish is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The creamy, garlicky sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the shrimp add a succulent, protein-packed punch. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying — a true weeknight hero.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The garlic butter sauce is rich but not heavy, and it clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

The shrimp cook in minutes, keeping them tender and juicy. The combination of garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon makes it taste gourmet, yet the recipe is so simple that even beginners can make it without stress.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for date nights or dinner parties.

The flavors — buttery, garlicky, slightly tangy — are universally loved. Plus, it’s highly adaptable: you can add vegetables, change the type of pasta, or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added color and nutrition

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Shrimp & Pasta: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
5. Add Cheese & Herbs: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss until combined and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1 – Boil Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2 – Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season shrimp and sauté until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3 – Garlic Butter Base: Melt butter in the skillet. Sauté garlic and optional red pepper flakes until aromatic.
4. Step 4 – Combine Pasta & Shrimp: Add pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter sauce.
5. Step 5 – Finish with Lemon & Cheese: Add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix gently and serve.

How to Serve

Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with additional parsley and a lemon wedge for freshness. This dish is perfect for both casual weeknights and elegant dinners.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor than pre-grated.

Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
2. Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
3. Lemon Herb Shrimp Pasta: Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a fragrant twist.
4. Vegetable-Packed: Toss in asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
5. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary preferences.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture — shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated. Instead, freeze pasta sauce separately if desired.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula for tossing pasta
• Measuring spoons and cups

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home in under 30 minutes. It’s buttery, garlicky, and full of tender shrimp and perfectly coated pasta, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire — a true combination of convenience and gourmet taste.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence — a quick, flavorful meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

• 8 ounces (225g)
• 1 pound (450g)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added color and nutrition

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Shrimp & Pasta: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
5. Add Cheese & Herbs: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss until combined and serve immediately.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta