Few dishes hit the sweet spot of fast, flavorful, and fancy quite like this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that feels indulgent but takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s perfect for date night, dinner parties, or anytime you want a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
Rich, buttery garlic flavor that coats every bite.
Light enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests.
A flexible recipe that works with spaghetti, linguine, or even zucchini noodles.
Elegant, yet incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to culinary success. For this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a few key players that come together to create a symphony of flavors.
Spaghetti or linguine: These pasta types are perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. Choose your favorite!
Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, shrimp adds a succulent touch. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
Unsalted butter: This is the base of our sauce, providing richness. Unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.
Garlic: Minced garlic is the star here, infusing the dish with its aromatic goodness. Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a delightful kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Lemon zest: This brightens the dish, giving it a fresh, zesty flavor. Don’t skip it!
Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and balances the richness of the butter. Freshly squeezed is ideal.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste for the perfect flavor.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s a simple garnish that elevates the dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving, this cheese adds a savory finish. Feel free to sprinkle generously!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta comes together quickly, so keep your wits about you. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve half a cup of that pasta water before draining. It’s liquid gold for our sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once it’s bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin the dish!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time for the shrimp to shine! Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This is where the magic happens—watch them transform!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed. This will help create a light, luscious sauce that clings to the pasta. It’s all about that perfect consistency!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch and a pop of color. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Success
Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor; it makes a world of difference.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque for the perfect texture.
Reserve that pasta water! It’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency.
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after the lemon juice.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta. A Dutch oven works well too.
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for sautéing. If you don’t have one, any large frying pan will do.
Colander: For draining pasta. A slotted spoon can be a handy alternative.
Measuring cups and spoons: Useful for precise ingredient measurements.
Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast for a hearty twist.
Vegetarian Garlic Butter Pasta: Replace shrimp with sautéed vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a fresh, meatless option.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Stir in heavy cream after adding the lemon juice for a rich, creamy sauce.
Herbed Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Side Salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad adds freshness and balances the richness.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully.
Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant touch.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
As you embark on your culinary adventure with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you navigate this delicious dish.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
What can I substitute for pasta if I’m gluten-free?
Try using gluten-free pasta options like rice noodles or zucchini noodles. They’ll still soak up that tasty garlic butter sauce!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Just cook the pasta and shrimp right before serving for optimal flavor.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Garlic bread and a light salad are perfect companions. They balance the richness of the pasta and enhance your dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy in your kitchen. The aroma of garlic and butter wafting through the air brings back memories of family dinners and laughter. This dish is a reminder that you don’t need to spend hours to impress your loved ones. With its vibrant flavors and quick preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this recipe will surely bring smiles and satisfied appetites to your table. Enjoy every bite!
A quick and delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe that combines succulent shrimp with garlic, butter, and lemon for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the skillet after adding the lemon juice.
Substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables like asparagus or spinach for a different flavor profile.
