Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is rich, flavorful, and comes together fast. Juicy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make this a go-to dinner that feels fancy but is incredibly easy.
Ingredients
- 250g (8 oz) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 300g (10–12 oz) shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Ingredient Tips
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture
- Don’t overcook shrimp they cook very quickly
- Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, add remaining butter and garlic.
Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the pan.
Pour in reserved pasta water and toss to coat.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return shrimp to the pan.
Add lemon juice and parmesan cheese.
Mix gently until everything is coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Add a glass of lemonade or sparkling water
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter
- Best enjoyed fresh
Variations You Can Try
- Add cream for a creamy garlic sauce
- Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes
- Use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal, but any pasta works.
Can I make it spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is the perfect mix of simplicity and elegance. With bold garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and a silky sauce, it’s a quick meal that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food.
