Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, buttery flavors, savory garlic, and juicy shrimp tossed with tender pasta. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting while being quick and easy to make. Every forkful brings together the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the richness of butter and the aromatic kick of garlic, creating a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. It’s made with basic pantry ingredients—pasta, butter, garlic, shrimp, and a few seasonings—but the flavors are bold and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes yet feels elegant enough for a special occasion.

This pasta is also highly adaptable: keep it light with olive oil, make it creamy with Parmesan and cream, or add vegetables for extra nutrition. No matter how you serve it, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The garlic butter sauce is rich, silky, and infused with just the right amount of savory depth, while the shrimp add a natural sweetness and protein that makes the dish feel hearty.

Another reason I love it is how quick and stress-free it is to make. In less than half an hour, you can have a dish that looks and tastes like something from a fine Italian restaurant. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down and always leaves you satisfied.

Plus, I adore its versatility—you can customize it endlessly with your favorite pasta, cheese, herbs, or even a splash of white wine for extra flavor.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

• Quick & easy: Done in 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Rich & flavorful: Garlic and butter create a luxurious sauce.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Works with different pastas, veggies, or proteins.
• Restaurant-quality: Elegant enough for date night or dinner parties.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit, this is it.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American Inspired
• Calories: ~500–540 calories per serving (varies with pasta and cheese choice)

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or extra butter)
• Salt for pasta water

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (or chicken broth)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
   • Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
   • Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   • In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat.
   • Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in reserved pasta water (or broth) and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp
   • Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
   • Return shrimp to the pan and mix until everything is evenly combined.
   • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
5. Serve Immediately
   • Plate pasta, top with extra shrimp and sauce, and serve with lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in pasta bowls with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
• A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio makes a perfect pairing.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp: They only need a few minutes to stay juicy and tender.
• Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to jarred.
• Balance the sauce: Add more butter for richness, more lemon for freshness, or more cheese for creaminess.
• Save pasta water: It’s the secret to a silky, clingy sauce.

Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Add ½ cup heavy cream for a creamy twist.
2. Veggie-Loaded Version – Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
3. Spicy Cajun Style – Season shrimp with Cajun spice mix for a bold, smoky flavor.
4. Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta.
5. Low-Carb – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or olive oil.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp become rubbery and pasta loses texture. Best enjoyed fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Conclusion

The Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make an incredible meal. With its buttery garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s comfort food with a touch of elegance. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 500–540 calories per serving

Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, buttery flavors, savory garlic, and juicy shrimp tossed with tender pasta. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting while being quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or extra butter)
• Salt for pasta water

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (or chicken broth)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in reserved pasta water (or broth) and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and mix until everything is evenly combined. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
5. Serve Immediately: Plate pasta, top with extra shrimp and sauce, and serve with lemon wedges.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta