The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I prepare this mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp pasta that promises incredible flavor in under 30 minutes.

Aromatic herbs and succulent seafood dance together in a creamy sauce that feels like a culinary celebration.

butter melts into golden pools, creating a rich foundation for each perfectly seasoned shrimp.

Delicate pasta strands capture every droplet of the garlicky goodness, ensuring maximum taste in each forkful.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a tangy complexity that balances the dish’s luxurious texture.

Quick and elegant, this recipe turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Carefully scoop out some pasta water before draining.

Set pasta aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently place shrimp into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook until shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque.

Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes golden and bubbly.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

• White wine
• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice

Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing and coating every strand with the luxurious sauce.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.

Step 5: Reunite Shrimp with Pasta

Gently return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to warm them through and ensure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the garlic butter shrimp pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and scatter chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Dish

• Save that starchy liquid gold to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
• Remove shrimp immediately when they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender, juicy texture.
• Saute garlic gently to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can make it taste bitter.
• No white wine? Substitute with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor and acidity.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and vibrant taste.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Replace white wine with Cajun seasoning and add andouille sausage for a bold, Louisiana-style flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lighter, gluten-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Substitute shrimp with mixed seafood like scallops and calamari, and add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired dish.
• Vegan Protein Adaptation: Use plant-based shrimp substitute, swap butter with olive oil, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta Plate Perfection: Arrange the garlic butter shrimp pasta on a large white plate, allowing the vibrant colors to pop and create an appetizing presentation.
• Flavor Boost Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to complement the rich, buttery shrimp pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Pour a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the lemony, garlicky notes of the dish and balance the creamy sauce.
• Bread Dipping Magic: Include crusty garlic bread or warm sourdough slices to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the meal.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the pasta and shrimp are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta's texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and reheat until the shrimp is heated through.
• Skip freezing this dish, as pasta and shrimp can become tough and lose their delicate texture when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• Is white wine necessary for the sauce?

No, you can substitute chicken broth or even seafood stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don’t have wine on hand.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.

• What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are excellent choices as they hold the garlic butter sauce well and complement the shrimp’s texture.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Highlights

• Whip Up a Quick Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ingredients like using chicken instead of shrimp or adjusting spice levels to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Perfect for turning an ordinary evening into a special culinary experience without spending hours in the kitchen or requiring complex cooking techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet approach, making this meal both delicious and convenient for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal dishes.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that adds a rich and succulent flavor to the recipe.
• Butter: Provides a creamy and rich foundation for the sauce.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers a spicy and aromatic kick to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the shrimp and pasta.

• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the shrimp and create a smooth cooking base.
• White Wine (or Chicken Broth): Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy accent to balance the rich flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Classic garnishes that add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp pasta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors dancing across tender pasta strands. Fragrant herbs and succulent shrimp create a quick, elegant dinner perfect for home chefs seeking restaurant-quality comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

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

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine

Seasonings and Extras:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta completely.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce seasoned shrimp, cooking swiftly until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for about 30-45 seconds. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, adding freshly squeezed lemon juice. Allow the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for 3-4 minutes, creating a harmonious sauce.
5. Gently fold pasta into the fragrant sauce, utilizing reserved cooking liquid to achieve desired consistency and ensure each strand is beautifully coated.
6. Reintroduce seared shrimp into the skillet, stirring to warm through and integrate with the pasta.
7. Present the dish garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley, serving immediately for optimal taste and temperature.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve cooking liquid to create a silky, emulsified sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
• Shrimp Timing Trick: Cook shrimp just until pink to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring tender and succulent seafood.
• Wine Swap Solution: No white wine? Chicken broth works beautifully as a flavor-packed alternative without compromising taste.
• Dietary Flexibility: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 483 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg