Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
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!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Tongs or a spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
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.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the linguine (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This helps thicken the sauce later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, 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.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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!).
- Stir in the lemon juice and the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water. Mix everything well.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- 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.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~550-600 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fats: ~25g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~800mg (varies based on seasoning and shrimp)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.