Dreamy Silky Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Creamy, delectable garlic butter shrimp pasta dances with flavor, enticing taste buds from the first bite.

Tender shrimp nestled in a silky garlic butter sauce creates a luxurious dining experience.

Each twirl of pasta brings rich, aromatic notes that awaken the senses.

The combination of fresh ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Succulent shrimp perfectly complement the velvety sauce, promising a memorable culinary adventure.

Bold garlic and smooth butter merge into a harmonious symphony of taste.

Let this irresistible recipe become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients for That Garlic Shrimp Pasta You’ll Crave

• Linguine, Spaghetti: Select high-quality pasta with good texture that captures sauce perfectly, ensuring authentic Italian dining experience.

• Shrimp: Choose fresh, deveined large shrimp with firm texture and sweet ocean aroma, preferably wild-caught for superior flavor.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Select fresh, firm garlic with no green sprouts for robust, intense flavor profile.
• Lemon: Pick bright, heavy citrus fruits with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice and zesty brightness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano with granular texture and nutty undertones.

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil with rich, fruity notes for superior taste and healthy cooking.
• Butter: Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for smooth, creamy sauce consistency.

• Parsley: Select vibrant green leaves with crisp texture and fresh, peppery aroma for garnishing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for layered, dynamic seasoning.

What to Grab Before Cooking This Pasta Dish

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space and room for water.
• Skillet: Large, preferably non-stick, for cooking shrimp and creating garlic butter sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Perfect for stirring pasta and flipping shrimp without damaging them.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements of olive oil, butter, and spices.

Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Like a Weeknight Pro

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Toss pasta into a big pot of salty water. Cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Save some pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.

• Sizzle Shrimp with Flavor

Warm olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Drop in garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring quickly to release their aroma. Slide shrimp into the pan in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn blush pink and look juicy.

• Create Silky Sauce

In the same pan, add a touch more butter and a splash of saved pasta water. Pour in zesty lemon juice and let it simmer gently.

• Combine and Toss

Slide cooked pasta into the pan, swirling it around to get coated in the rich, garlicky sauce. Return shrimp to the mix and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like.

• Finish and Serve

Scatter fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with extra cheese and lemon wedges for an extra punch of brightness.

Flavor Boosting Tips for Shrimp Pasta

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Cooking Tips & Variations
• Shrimp Selection Magic: Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for quick cooking and easier eating. Fresh or frozen both work wonderfully, just ensure they're completely thawed before cooking.
• Pasta Perfect Swap: Replace traditional pasta with whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles for different dietary needs. Spiralized zucchini offers a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Skip them entirely for a milder version or add extra for a fiery kick. Consider cayenne pepper or hot sauce as alternative heat sources.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform this into a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed scallops, or crispy pancetta for additional protein. Vegetarians can substitute shrimp with roasted vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare components separately and store in refrigerator. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture. Shrimp and sauce can be prepared up to one day in advance, ensuring quick weeknight dinners.

Serve This Dish with Lemon, Bread, or Greens

• Zesty Lemon Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the pasta to add a bright, citrusy kick that complements the rich garlic butter sauce and brings a refreshing taste to each bite.
• Herb Heaven: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or add some fresh basil leaves on top to create a vibrant green contrast and boost the dish's aromatic profile with a burst of herbal freshness.
• Crunchy Companion: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread or a crisp side salad to provide a delightful textural contrast and help soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the butter sauce.

Storing Leftover Pasta the Right Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and flavor loss.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp texture. Stir occasionally for even heating and best taste.
• Smart Prep Tip: Separate shrimp and pasta when storing to maintain individual textures. Keep components in different sealed containers to prevent soggy pasta and maintain optimal quality.
• Freezing Guidelines: Not recommended for this dish. Creamy sauces and seafood tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, compromising the delicate flavors and smooth consistency of the garlic butter shrimp pasta.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 455 kcal

Servings: 4

Silky Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta combines Mediterranean flavors with creamy, herbaceous notes. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this quick, elegant dish that brings coastal comfort to home kitchens.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice (from ½ lemon)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a half cup of starchy liquid before draining. Set aside the pasta and liquid.
2. Aromatic Base: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Infuse the oil with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant foundation without burning, for roughly 30 seconds.
3. Shrimp Searing: Arrange shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove cooked shrimp and set aside.
4. Sauce Development: In the same skillet, combine remaining butter and reserved pasta water. Introduce fresh lemon juice, creating a light, zesty sauce that simmers gently.
5. Final Assembly: Toss pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand is coated with the velvety garlic butter sauce. Reintegrate the perfectly cooked shrimp and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, accompanied by additional Parmesan and lemon wedges for personalized enhancement.

Notes

• Optimize Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor without burning, which can introduce bitter notes and ruin the dish’s delicate taste profile.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Monitor shrimp closely during cooking; they turn rubbery and tough when cooked beyond 2-3 minutes, losing their tender, succulent texture.
• Preserve Pasta Water Magic: Starchy pasta water acts as a natural sauce thickener and helps bind ingredients, ensuring a silky, cohesive coating on every pasta strand.
• Customize Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based butter for vegan versions, or replace shrimp with grilled chicken for protein variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg