Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Juicy shrimp sautéed in rich, aromatic garlic butter are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. The combination of buttery sauce, tender shrimp, and comforting pasta makes this dish universally loved.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. In under 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that looks impressive and tastes incredible. It’s one of those recipes that never fails—simple ingredients come together beautifully, making it a dependable favorite.

This is a Must Try Dish

Rich, flavorful, and ready in minutes, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and silky butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite delivers bold, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special dinners. Simple ingredients, quick preparation, and restaurant-quality taste make this dish truly irresistible—and absolutely a must-try dish for pasta lovers.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
• Water and salt (for boiling pasta)

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

1. 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. 5 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
6. Salt and black pepper to taste
7. 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
8. 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
9. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
6. Stir in red pepper flakes and broth, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed. Toss well.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
9. Toss gently until everything is well coated and heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta until al dente and reserve pasta water.
2. Season shrimp evenly with spices.
3. Sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil; remove once cooked.
4. Prepare garlic butter sauce using remaining butter, garlic, and broth.
5. Combine pasta and sauce, adding pasta water for consistency.
6. Add shrimp back, finish with lemon juice and cheese.
7. Garnish and serve hot.

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How to Serve

• Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly.
• Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
• Add lemon zest for extra brightness.

Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
2. Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
3. Vegetable-Loaded Pasta: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
5. Cheesy Version: Add mozzarella or extra Parmesan for richness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to shrimp texture, but can be frozen for up to 1 month if needed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that combines simplicity with elegance. With tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s truly a must-try recipe that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Juicy shrimp sautéed in rich, aromatic garlic butter are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (340 g)
• Water and salt (for boiling pasta)

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450 g)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
6. Stir in red pepper flakes and broth, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed. Toss well.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
9. Toss gently until everything is well coated and heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta