Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Shrimp sizzle and dance in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a pasta dish that promises pure culinary magic.

Silky strands of noodles embrace each succulent morsel with intense flavor and creamy elegance.

Weeknight dinners never looked this delectable or came together so effortlessly.

Every twirl of your fork reveals layers of savory depth and Mediterranean-inspired comfort.

Salt and pepper whisper their subtle magic into this classic seafood recipe.

The aroma of garlic and butter will draw everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

Come explore this irresistible plate that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for the dish, choose a shape that captures sauce well like linguine or spaghetti, opt for high-quality durum wheat varieties for best texture.

• Shrimp: Delivers succulent seafood element, select fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for superior flavor, ensure they're deveined and cleaned before cooking.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Infuses deep aromatic warmth and subtle heat, choose fresh garlic cloves for maximum pungency, select bright red pepper flakes for vibrant spiciness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright citrusy tang, pick ripe, heavy lemons with smooth skin for maximum juice extraction.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes rich, nutty undertones, select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for genuine Italian flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base, use extra virgin olive oil for authentic taste, select high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous finish, choose bright green, crisp leaves for maximum visual and flavor impact.

Tools To Get Started With Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water and salt.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and creating the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring ingredients and turning shrimp while cooking.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting board: For chopping garlic and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure olive oil, butter, and seasonings.

Easy Instructions For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil a pot of water with salt. Cook pasta until soft yet firm. Save some pasta water, then drain and set aside.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant base. Quickly cook shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color. Remove shrimp and keep warm.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Use the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce. Add butter and a splash of saved pasta water. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, letting it simmer gently.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine pasta with the aromatic sauce, ensuring each strand gets coated. Reintroduce the juicy shrimp to the pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan for an extra layer of deliciousness.

• Final Touch

Scatter fresh parsley over the dish. Serve with additional Parmesan and lemon wedges for those who want an extra burst of flavor.

Tasty Tips For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pro Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli that capture the garlic butter sauce deliciously.
• Shrimp Selection Secrets: Pick medium-sized, fresh shrimp with shells removed for quick and easy cooking. Wild-caught shrimp often have better flavor compared to farm-raised varieties.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter alternatives. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor profile that keeps the dish dairy-free and plant-based friendly.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa to make this recipe celiac-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. For mild palates, use just a pinch; for spice lovers, increase to 1/2 teaspoon. Fresh chili peppers can also replace dried flakes for a more vibrant heat.

Ways To Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Right

• Elegant Dinner Party Delight: Serve on white ceramic plates with a crisp white wine, creating a restaurant-style presentation that elevates this simple pasta dish.
• Fresh Mediterranean Feast: Accompany with a light Greek salad, crusty bread, and lemon wedges to complement the garlic butter shrimp's bright, zesty flavors.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Pair with a mimosa or fresh citrus juice, adding a sunny weekend vibe to this quick and delicious seafood pasta.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to make this dish a complete, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.

How To Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta With Care

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the shrimp pasta fresh for 23 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation. Microwave sparingly to avoid rubbery shrimp texture, stirring midway through heating.
• Freezing Intelligence: Although pasta with seafood doesn't freeze exceptionally well due to texture changes, you can store the sauce separately for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, cook fresh pasta and reheat the sauce.
• Ingredient Separation Wisdom: Keep unused shrimp and cooked pasta in separate containers to maintain optimal texture. Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, lasting up to 2 weeks when properly wrapped.

Succulent Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta combines Mediterranean flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Marine-fresh shrimp and silky noodles create a quick, elegant dinner classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ lemon, juiced (about 2 tbsps)
• ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining. Set aside.
2. Aromatic Base: In a spacious skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Infuse the pan with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing their essence to bloom for 30 seconds without burning.
3. Shrimp Searing: Arrange shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until each side transforms to a delicate pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Sauce Creation: Utilize the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce by adding remaining butter, reserved pasta water, and fresh lemon juice. Simmer gently to develop depth of flavor.
5. Final Assembly: Introduce cooked pasta into the fragrant sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated. Return shrimp to the skillet, generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and toss to combine all elements harmoniously.
6. Serving Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting the dish with additional Parmesan and lemon wedges for those craving an extra flavor dimension. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Maximize Pasta Texture: Reserve starchy pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand without drying out.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Sauté garlic quickly at medium heat to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can turn bitter and ruin the delicate sauce.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Cook shrimp in a single layer and monitor closely, removing from heat when they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture – approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe by substituting gluten-free pasta, using dairy-free butter alternatives, or replacing shrimp with grilled chicken for different dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg