Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a rich yet simple dish that brings together juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, silky butter, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve when you want something that feels special without extra effort.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Tongs or wooden spoon
Instructions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook for another minute, just until everything is heated through.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Can I make it creamy? You can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a richer version.
What pasta works best? Long pasta like linguine or spaghetti holds the sauce well, but short pasta works too.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s fast, comforting, and packed with flavor—proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal.
Enjoy !!
