Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, buttery goodness and fresh, garlicky flavor—all tossed together with tender pasta and juicy shrimp. This dish feels like something you’d order at a restaurant but takes less than 30 minutes to make at home. The buttery garlic sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, while the shrimp adds a delicate sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. I once added a splash of white wine and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and it turned the dish into a sophisticated weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just craving comfort food, this pasta will never disappoint.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish featuring juicy shrimp tossed with al dente pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or date night dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to low, add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, squeeze in lemon juice, and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Substitute zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Use fresh lemon zest for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp make this dish elegant and full of protein.
Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
A long pasta that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Butter
The rich base of the sauce that gives this dish its indulgent flavor.
Olive oil
Used alongside butter to prevent it from burning and to add depth.
Garlic
Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
Lemon juice
Adds brightness and balance to the rich sauce.
Parmesan cheese
For a nutty, salty finish that complements the shrimp and butter perfectly.
Fresh parsley
Adds color and freshness to the final dish.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
For a hint of heat that cuts through the richness.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the skillet along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute (do not brown). Add lemon juice, a splash of pasta water, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
Toss in the cooked pasta and shrimp, coating everything in the garlic butter sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and a bit more pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Toss until creamy and well combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 15 minutes, making the total time about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add a splash of heavy cream for a rich, luscious sauce.
Lemon Herb Shrimp Pasta
Add extra lemon zest and chopped basil or thyme for freshness.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy twist.
White Wine Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding the pasta.
Vegetable Boost
Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra texture.
Parmesan Crusted Shrimp Pasta
Coat shrimp lightly in Parmesan before searing for extra flavor.
Zucchini Noodle Version
Replace pasta with zoodles for a low-carb option.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo
Use orzo instead of long pasta for a hearty, risotto-like variation.
Bacon and Shrimp Pasta
Add crispy bacon pieces for a salty, smoky kick.
Truffle Shrimp Pasta
Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an elevated flavor.
FAQs
What shrimp size works best?
Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal—they stay juicy and tender.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Do I need to remove the tails?
It’s up to you—keeping them on looks elegant, but removing them makes eating easier.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter and omit Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.
What pasta shape works best?
Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes pair perfectly.
How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?
Cook just until pink and opaque—1–2 minutes per side is usually enough.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a timeless, elegant dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With juicy shrimp, silky garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s both quick enough for weeknights and special enough for guests. Whether you make it creamy, spicy, or lemony, this versatile pasta will always be a crowd-pleaser.
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