Simple & Tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe For Dinner

Culinary magic happens when delectable garlic butter shrimp pasta meets your kitchen creativity.

Fresh ingredients spark excitement for home-cooked meals.

Succulent shrimp dance with silky noodles in a rich, aromatic sauce.

Mediterranean flavors whisper promises of comfort and indulgence.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Simple techniques unlock restaurant-quality dishes right at your countertop.

You’ll savor every twirled forkful of this irresistible seafood delight.

Reasons To Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Comfort in a Pot: Dive into a hearty meal that wraps you in warmth with tender beef and rich, savory flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.
• Master Simple Cooking: Tackle this recipe with basic techniques like browning meat and sautéing vegetables, perfect for building confidence in the kitchen for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nourishing One-Pot Wonder: Create a complete meal packed with protein, vegetables, and robust flavors without complicated preparation or multiple dishes to clean afterward.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Satisfy hungry families and guests with a classic stew that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy weekend meals.

What Goes Into Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: A tender seafood protein that adds a delicate ocean flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: A classic wheat-based noodle that serves as the foundation of this comforting meal.

• Butter, Garlic: A classic combination that creates a rich, aromatic base for the sauce.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Ingredients that add brightness and depth to the sauce's flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy ingredient that provides a subtle heat to the pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Toppings that add a salty, sharp flavor and fresh green color to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Cooking liquids that help create a smooth, cohesive sauce and prevent sticking.

How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop your pasta into a pot of salted boiling water. Cook until it reaches that dreamy al dente texture.

Scoop out a splash of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear Shrimp with Sizzling Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season your shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and become perfectly opaque.

Transfer the shrimp to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Let it dance and become fragrant for about a minute. For those who love a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

• White wine
• Lemon juice

Let the sauce simmer and develop its flavors for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss the cooked pasta into the garlic butter sauce.

If the sauce seems tight, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth coating.

Step 5: Reunite Shrimp with Pasta

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Serve with Elegant Finishing Touches

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Dive in and enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Helpful Hints For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are thoroughly deveined and patted dry before cooking.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level, making the dish mild or spicy based on your preference.
• For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil and use whole wheat pasta to increase nutritional value.
• Quick-cooking tip: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting, as this dish comes together in less than 15 minutes.

Creative Twists For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta: Replace white wine with ouzo, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Greek-inspired version.
• Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta: Swap white wine with coconut milk, include curry powder, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical Caribbean-style dish.
• Herb-Infused Shrimp Pasta: Mix in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and dill during sauce preparation, use herb-infused olive oil, and garnish with extra fresh herbs for an aromatic experience.

Best Pairings With Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Create a romantic evening with candlelight and soft music. Plate the shrimp pasta on elegant white dishes. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Add a small side salad with mixed greens for a complete gourmet experience.
• Serve the pasta in large shallow bowls for easy family sharing. Let kids customize their plates with extra cheese or herbs. Complement with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Make it a fun, interactive dinner that everyone will enjoy.
• Transform the dish into a light Mediterranean-style lunch. Serve in colorful ceramic bowls. Accompany with a fresh cucumber salad and olives. Sprinkle extra parsley and lemon zest for brightness. Perfect for casual weekend gatherings with friends.

Keeping Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Fresh

• Place leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Skip freezing this pasta dish because the shrimp and pasta texture will become mushy and lose their original quality when thawed.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir continuously to ensure even heating and maintain the sauce's consistency.
• Enjoy the pasta immediately after cooking for the most delicious taste and optimal texture. Freshly prepared dishes always taste better and have the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

FAQs

• What makes the garlic butter sauce special?

The sauce combines melted butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice to create a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly coats the pasta and shrimp.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Without them, the dish is mild and flavorful.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine or spaghetti are ideal, but you can use any long pasta like fettuccine or angel hair to complement the garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Scrumptious garlic butter shrimp pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors in mere minutes. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Delicately season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a vibrant pink hue. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 1 minute. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, then deglaze with white wine or broth and a splash of bright lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for 3 minutes.
4. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the luxurious garlic butter sauce, incorporating reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive coating.
5. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously enrobed in the fragrant sauce.
6. Plate the dish and crown with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scatter of vibrant, chopped parsley for a final flourish of flavor and color.

Notes

• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use clarified butter or ghee to create a lighter, lactose-free version of the dish for sensitive stomachs.
• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp for maximum flavor and tender texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg