Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Introduction
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of tender spaghetti, juicy shrimp, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that takes less than 30 minutes to make, making it perfect for weeknights or special dinners. Every forkful combines silky pasta, succulent shrimp, and a touch of zesty freshness that keeps you coming back for more
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
Salt, for boiling water
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
¼ cup white wine or chicken broth (for a richer sauce)
Cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and texture
Instructions
Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes or according to package instructions).
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp (6–8 minutes)
Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce (5 minutes)
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add remaining 2 tbsp butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn).
Deglaze with white wine or broth (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in lemon juice and zest.
Combine Everything (5 minutes)
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
Return shrimp to the pan and toss until heated through.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top.
Serve (2 minutes)
Plate the pasta and garnish with extra lemon wedges and Parmesan, if desired.
Tips
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they turn rubbery if left too long.
For a creamier sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end.
Substitute spaghetti with fettuccine, angel hair, or linguine.
Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Pair it with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for an elegant touch.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort meal — buttery, garlicky, and perfectly balanced with the brightness of lemon and freshness of parsley. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a romantic evening, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.