There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of garlic butter shrimp pasta filling your kitchen. This dish brings together tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
I first discovered this recipe when hosting a last-minute dinner party. With limited time and a few pantry staples, it quickly became a go-to for its simplicity and elegance. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection. This garlic butter shrimp pasta is the perfect blend of indulgence and ease, making it an instant hit for any occasion.
First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table, making it ideal for weeknights or when time is of the essence.
The flavor is out of this world. The buttery garlic sauce coats every strand of pasta and pairs beautifully with the succulent shrimp, creating a dish that feels luxurious without being overly complicated.
It’s also surprisingly affordable. Using a combination of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients, you can create a gourmet experience on a budget.
Finally, the recipe is versatile. From swapping out proteins to experimenting with pasta shapes, there are countless ways to make it your own. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this garlic butter shrimp pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Shrimp is the star of this recipe. Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works well too—just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
Garlic adds the signature aroma and flavor to the dish. Use fresh cloves for a bold, robust taste, and mince them finely to ensure they infuse the sauce evenly.
Butter forms the base of the luscious sauce. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Pasta serves as the canvas for the sauce and shrimp. Spaghetti or linguine are excellent choices, as their long strands hold onto the sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, angel hair pasta also works well.
Parmesan cheese is the final touch, adding a salty, nutty finish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce effortlessly, enhancing every bite.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper. While no special equipment is required, a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are essential for pulling this dish together.
How to Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Creating this irresistible garlic butter shrimp pasta is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it perfectly every time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it helps emulsify the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a knob of butter. Once melted, toss in the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another generous pat of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Deglaze the pan with a splash of the reserved pasta water, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, then toss in the cooked pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the buttery sauce clinging to every strand of pasta.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—this garlic butter shrimp pasta stores beautifully.
Transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to a skillet and warm the pasta gently over low heat. This method helps revive the creamy consistency of the sauce without overcooking the shrimp.
Avoid freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate when thawed. Instead, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce while sautéing the garlic.
Swap the shrimp for another protein like scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as fettuccine or penne, to change up the texture of the dish.
Enhance the sauce by incorporating a splash of white wine or a drizzle of heavy cream for added richness.
For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and shrimp are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.
This garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of these variations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is a delicious combination of juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it's ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ lemon (juiced)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, then simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, then stir in Parmesan cheese and shrimp.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works too.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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