If you’re craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s quick, flavorful, and easy to make, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the answer. This simple yet elegant meal combines juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this dish delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort. In this guide, you’ll find the full list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta perfect every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe hits all the right notes — buttery, garlicky, tangy, and just a little spicy. The shrimp cook in minutes, the sauce comes together in the same pan, and the whole dish is ready in under half an hour. It’s a comfort food classic that feels indulgent yet light, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the complete list of ingredients for the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Each component adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish shine.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Extra salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cool water and patting them dry with paper towels. Ensuring they’re fully cleaned and deveined will give them a tender, smooth texture when cooked.
Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and turns slightly foamy, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking — shrimp become rubbery if left too long.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, keeping the pan juices intact. Those flavorful drippings will form the foundation of your sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water — that starchy liquid is essential for achieving a silky sauce consistency.
Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic — it should stay golden and aromatic.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavor.
If you prefer a richer texture, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for another minute or two, thickening into a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Add your cooked pasta directly into the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Toss it well to ensure every strand is coated with the buttery, garlicky mixture.
Return the shrimp (and any collected juices) to the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Toss everything together over low heat until the shrimp are warmed through and the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, then sprinkle fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning — add extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan as desired.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a little more Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of spice.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp work, but make sure they’re thawed and well-drained.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly and continue to cook in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water — it’s the secret to a smooth, restaurant-style sauce.
- Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
This meal also makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the skillet.
2. Can I make this without cream?
Absolutely. The sauce will still be deliciously buttery and garlicky without the cream. You can also add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
3. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine are ideal because they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Of course. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
5. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano both work well as substitutes for Parmesan cheese.
6. How do I prevent my garlic from burning?
Cook it over medium heat and stir constantly. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly, which can affect the overall flavor of your dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate combination of simplicity and elegance. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a meal that feels straight out of a fine dining restaurant. It’s flavorful, creamy, and satisfying without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your skillet, and make tonight’s dinner unforgettable.