Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A Simple and Flavorful Dinner

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp. The rich, savory aroma fills the kitchen, making your mouth water before you even take a bite. When you toss these flavors with pasta, you get a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make!

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a small gathering with friends.

It’s light yet satisfying, packed with juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a luscious buttery garlic sauce. The best part? You can make it in just 30 minutes!

If you love seafood and pasta, this dish is a must-try. Plus, you don’t need fancy ingredients—just simple kitchen staples that come together beautifully. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to make it!

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Fast & Easy: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
• Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is rich, garlicky, and slightly tangy from the lemon.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: It tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant but is super simple to make.
• Customizable: Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer extra veggies? Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes!

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta.

For the Pasta & Shrimp:

• 8 oz linguine (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you love)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserve before draining the pasta)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cherry tomatoes – Add for a pop of sweetness.
• Spinach or arugula – Toss in for extra greens.
• Mushrooms or bell peppers – Sauté them with the shrimp for more texture.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to cooking!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before we start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Large pot – for boiling the pasta
• Colander – for draining the pasta
• Large skillet or pan – to cook the shrimp and make the sauce
• Tongs or a spatula – for flipping the shrimp and mixing the pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
• Grater – for fresh Parmesan cheese
• Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, parsley, and any additional veggies

Having everything prepped will make cooking much smoother and more fun!

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This helps thicken the sauce later.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
3. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
2. Stir in the lemon juice and the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water. Mix everything well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until well combined.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate up your garlic butter shrimp pasta and enjoy it hot! You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for an extra special meal.

More Recipes >>>>>> Easy Stuffed Pasta Recipe

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook fast—just 2-3 minutes per side. If overcooked, they become rubbery.
• Use fresh garlic. Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, so skip the jarred stuff if possible.
• Reserve pasta water. This helps create a silky sauce that sticks to the pasta.
• Adjust spice level. Like it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes. Prefer it mild? Skip them altogether.
• Use high-quality butter and olive oil. Since the sauce is simple, good ingredients make a big difference.
• Garnish for extra flavor. A little fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese go a long way in making the dish look and taste amazing.

Now that you know all the secrets, it’s time to grab your ingredients and make this delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about garlic butter shrimp pasta is how flexible it is! Here are some easy swaps and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Pasta: Swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
• Shrimp: Try chicken, scallops, or salmon if you’re not in the mood for shrimp.
• Butter: Use ghee or olive oil for a lighter version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Substitute with white wine for a more complex taste or lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Variations:

• Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Spicy Version: Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Veggie-Packed: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus to make it more nutritious.
• Garlic Bread Topping: Crush some croutons or toast panko breadcrumbs with butter for a crunchy topping!

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better!

Side Dishes:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add extra texture and flavor.

Drink Pairings:

• White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the buttery shrimp.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink to cleanse the palate.

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty touch.
• Add freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing, as shrimp can get rubbery when thawed, and the butter sauce may separate.

Reheating Tips:

• On the Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir gently until warmed through.
• In the Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
• Avoid High Heat: Overheating can make the shrimp tough and the pasta dry.

More Recipes >>>>>> Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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FAQ

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them first by running them under cold water for a few minutes or leaving them in the fridge overnight.

2. What if I don’t like shrimp?

No problem! Substitute shrimp with chicken, salmon, scallops, or tofu for a delicious alternative.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more pasta water or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for extra body.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best fresh, but you can cook the pasta and shrimp separately, store them, and quickly toss everything together when ready to serve.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and variations, it’s time to cook up this delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta and enjoy every bite! Happy cooking!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!