Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Savory garlic butter shrimp pasta brings a burst of Mediterranean coastal flavors right to your dinner table.

Mediterranean cuisines inspire this delightful combination of succulent seafood and silky noodles.

butter melts into a luxurious sauce that coats each strand with rich, aromatic goodness.

Fresh shrimp sizzle and dance in a pan, releasing their delicate sweetness alongside minced garlic.

Simple ingredients create magic when blended with care and passion for cooking.

Seafood lovers will adore how quickly this elegant meal comes together.

You can transform an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience with just a few expert moves.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Dive into a hassle-free meal that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a zesty garlic butter sauce in one pan, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to your taste by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or adding extra herbs, making it a versatile dish for various preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality meal at home that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Enjoy a universally loved combination of seafood and pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Key Ingredients Behind Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A versatile base that provides a hearty foundation for the dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds protein and a delicate flavor to the recipe.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich and smooth sauce.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and subtle heat to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that brings freshness and balance to the flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that adds complexity and richness.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Cooking liquids that help create a smooth and flavorful sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Herbaceous garnish that provides a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step: Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package directions. Carefully scoop out and save some pasta water before draining.

Set cooked pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and sauté until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Sizzle and Season Succulent Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and become opaque, which takes about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Sauce Foundation

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes and pour chicken broth. Stir ingredients to create a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 6: Final Fusion and Garnish

Return shrimp to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal.

Tips to Elevate Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this dish.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant and robust taste profile.
• Control the heat while cooking shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Add a splash of white wine during sauce preparation to enhance the overall depth of flavor and complexity.

Flavor Twists to Refresh Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Vegetarian Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, sliced and seared for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Use brown rice pasta or zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat pasta to create a lighter, gluten-free version of the recipe.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Add Cajun seasoning blend and andouille sausage to transform the dish into a bold, New Orleans-inspired pasta with extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower rice or spiralized cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the garlic butter shrimp essence intact.

Perfect Accompaniments with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Seafood Fiesta Night: Host a vibrant dinner party where guests can enjoy this garlic butter shrimp pasta as the star dish, paired with crisp white wine and fresh bread.
• Quick Lunch Power Bowl: Transform leftovers into a chilled pasta salad by adding diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing midday meal.
• Romantic Dinner Plate: Create an elegant plating by swirling pasta on a white dish, arranging shrimp in a circular pattern, and sprinkling chopped parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, keeping the shrimp and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture throughout the week.

How to Keep Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Keep the pasta and shrimp separate from each other if possible to maintain better texture.
• Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to preserve freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be easily adjusted. Start with a small pinch for a light kick, or add more if you prefer a spicier dish. You can also omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

• What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are ideal for this garlic butter shrimp pasta. These long, thin pasta types help the sauce coat the noodles evenly and create a delicious, cohesive dish.

Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp pasta emerges as a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Succulent shrimp nestled among al dente noodles deliver rich, garlicky flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or linguine
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package guidelines until al dente, ensuring to extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden.
3. Incorporate seasoned shrimp into the fragrant pan, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and achieve translucent texture.
4. Remove cooked shrimp from skillet, then introduce remaining butter to create a rich base.
5. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat, then pour chicken broth, creating a silky, flavorful liquid foundation.
6. Introduce cooked pasta into the skillet, gently folding to coat with the savory sauce, gradually integrating Parmesan cheese and bright lemon juice.
7. Carefully reintroduce seared shrimp into the pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
8. Finish the dish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface, providing a final burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving immediately.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your dish.
• Select shell-on shrimp for extra sweetness, peeling them just before cooking to maintain moisture.
• Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence without turning bitter.
• Use a wide skillet to allow shrimp to cook evenly without overcrowding, ensuring perfect caramelization.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains similar depth of flavor.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add a splash of white wine for enhanced complexity and richness in the sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish adaptable to different heat preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg