Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic

My weekend cooking adventures always include a delightful garlic butter shrimp pasta that makes everyone smile.

Seafood lovers understand the magic of perfectly seared shrimp swimming in rich, velvety sauce.

Fragrant herbs and golden garlic pieces complement the tender shellfish beautifully.

Mediterranean coastal cuisine inspires this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Succulent shrimp absorb incredible layers of buttery flavor while pasta catches every delicious droplet.

Quick proteins like these transform ordinary meals into memorable dining experiences.

Let’s whip up something spectacular that will have people asking for seconds.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Made Simple

• Speed Demon Cooking: Zap through this recipe in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is tight.
• No-Fuss Flavor Explosion: Combines simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and pasta to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or fancy equipment.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a universally loved combination of protein and pasta that satisfies both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single skillet approach, reducing dishwashing time and making meal preparation stress-free for home cooks.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that brings a delicate ocean flavor to the recipe.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust and intense flavor to the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious coating for the pasta and provide deep, golden flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that adds creamy depth and richness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean finish and visual appeal.
• Chili Flakes: Optional spice component that introduces a subtle heat to the recipe.

• Lemon Wedges: Citrus garnish that offers a zesty, fresh accent to brighten the dish.

How To Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop the pasta into the rapidly boiling water and cook until it reaches al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta completely.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Grab a spacious skillet and warm olive oil with butter over medium heat. Carefully place shrimp into the pan, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

Cook each side until shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and appear opaque. Gently transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance and release its fragrant aroma.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle some chili flakes into the mix.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Return shrimp to the skillet.

• Cooked pasta
• Reserved pasta water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Toss everything together until each ingredient is beautifully coated and glistening.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Give the dish a quick taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Plate your pasta and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Tips For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Opt for large, fresh shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your pasta dish.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for maximum taste and aroma.
• Reserve pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps coat the pasta evenly.
• Add chili flakes for a subtle kick of heat, or skip them for a milder version suitable for kids.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a zesty touch.

New Twists On Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Vegetarian Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta and shrimp with spiralized zucchini noodles and sautéed tofu cubes for a low-carb, plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Cauliflower Pasta Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, keeping the garlic butter sauce and seafood protein intact.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Remix: Swap regular seasoning with Cajun spice blend, add andouille sausage, and include additional bell peppers for a New Orleans-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Incorporate feta cheese, swap parsley for fresh oregano, and add kalamata olives to create a Greek-inspired version of the original recipe.

Pairing Ideas For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Sunset Beach Dinner: Spread a cozy blanket on the sand, serve the pasta in rustic bowls, and enjoy the ocean breeze with your shrimp dish. Perfect for romantic evenings or casual coastal gatherings.
• Quick Lunch Twist: Pack this pasta in an airtight container for a delicious work or school lunch. Serve chilled or gently reheated, adding extra parsley for freshness.
• Family Style Feast: Place the skillet directly on the table, letting everyone serve themselves. Pair with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Elegant Appetizer Portion: Serve smaller portions in individual martini glasses or small white dishes. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon twist for a sophisticated presentation that looks restaurant-worthy.

Proper Storage For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep pasta and shrimp separate from sauce to prevent soggy texture and maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures better browning and prevents the dish from becoming watery.

• How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and curls into a “C” shape when fully cooked. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them tough and rubbery. Typically, 2-3 minutes per side is perfect.

• Is it okay to substitute different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine work best, you can use any pasta shape like fettuccine, penne, or angel hair. Just ensure you cook it al dente for the best texture.

Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp pasta blends Mediterranean coastal flavors with creamy textures. Succulent shrimp and al dente noodles create a quick, elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) linguine or spaghetti

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Set aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta completely.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden cooking surface. Introduce seasoned shrimp and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and are thoroughly cooked.
3. Transfer perfectly cooked shrimp onto a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and juiciness.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and olive oil. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds. Optional: Sprinkle chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
5. Carefully reintroduce seared shrimp into the fragrant garlic mixture. Gently fold in the prepared pasta, reserved cooking liquid, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped parsley.
6. Thoroughly toss all ingredients until each pasta strand is luxuriously coated with the garlic butter sauce. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
7. Plate immediately and garnish with bright, zesty lemon wedges for a refreshing citrus accent. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• The starchy reserved pasta water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and shrimp.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile dish that suits different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Watch shrimp closely while cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery – they’re done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
• Toast chili flakes in the butter for a few seconds before adding garlic to release their deeper, more complex heat and enhance overall dish intensity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg