Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Category: Seafood Recipes

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and tasty dish. It features tender shrimp cooked in garlic and butter, tossed with pasta for a filling meal. It’s great for weeknights or special dinners.

I like to sneak in a little lemon juice for brightness. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a tiny kick—I think it makes everything better!

If you want, sprinkle some parmesan on top before serving. It adds a nice cheesy touch and makes the dish even more delicious.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a strong, vibrant flavor. I recommend mincing it finely to release more aroma. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder works in a pinch—use about half the amount.

Butter: Smooths the sauce and adds richness. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the salt; salted butter works too. For a lighter version, try olive oil instead, but it changes the flavor slightly.

Shrimp: Tender and quick-cooking, shrimp are the star. Use peeled, deveined shrimp for convenience. If unavailable, cooked chicken can be a good substitute, but it changes the dish’s flavor profile.

Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine work well, holding the sauce nicely. Cook until just al dente, since they’ll finish cooking with the sauce. Whole wheat pasta is a healthy swap that adds a nutty flavor.

How do I cook shrimp perfectly without overdoing it?

It’s easy to turn shrimp rubbery if overcooked. To avoid this, watch for the shrimp turning pink and opaque—usually 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from heat as soon as they change color and don’t cook beyond that.

  • Step 1: Sear shrimp in hot skillet for 2 minutes per side until pink.
  • Step 2: Remove from pan immediately to prevent overcooking.
  • Step 3: Add cooked shrimp back to the sauce at the end to warm through gently.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

  • 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon

How Much Time Will You Need?

Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the shrimp

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

3. Make garlic butter sauce

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Combine everything

Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze lemon juice over and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

5. Serve

Divide the shrimp pasta into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

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