Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a quick, flavorful dinner. Juicy shrimp bathed in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, and finished with fresh parsley make this dish as elegant as it is easy.

I first whipped up this recipe when I wanted something that felt fancy but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s now my go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a meal you’ll find yourself making over and over again.

Let’s dive into the details of what makes this recipe so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect marriage of simplicity and indulgence. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:

First, it’s quick and easy. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 25 minutes.

Second, the flavors are unbeatable. The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and infused with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Tossed with pasta, it creates a dish that feels luxurious but is incredibly simple to make.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can easily add vegetables like spinach or asparagus, adjust the spice level, or even swap in a different protein for the shrimp.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or impressing guests, this dish is always a hit. Pair it with a glass of white wine, and you’ve got the ultimate dinner.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen works, but make sure they’re thawed if frozen. The tails can be left on for presentation or removed for easier eating.
• Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal choices for this recipe. Their long strands soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of unsalted butter and olive oil creates a rich base for the sauce, with the olive oil preventing the butter from burning.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for the bold, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the rich sauce and complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle heat that balances the buttery richness. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness to finish the dish.

You’ll also need salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make your own Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté them in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Add the shrimp back to the skillet, along with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently.
5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, ensuring each serving gets plenty of shrimp. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

While best enjoyed fresh, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can be stored for later. Here’s how to keep it delicious:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Note that shrimp can become rubbery if reheated multiple times, so it’s best to consume this dish quickly.
• Freezer: While the pasta freezes well, the shrimp and sauce don’t hold up as nicely. If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Swap Proteins: Replace shrimp with scallops, chicken, or even mushrooms for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone.

No matter how you customize it, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to be delicious!

Rich, buttery, and packed with garlic and shrimp, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a quick dinner, it never fails to impress. Try it tonight and savor the magic!

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