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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a weeknight dinner dream! Juicy shrimp are tossed in a silky garlic butter sauce with tender pasta, creating a quick yet indulgent meal the whole family will love. Simple to make, restaurant-worthy at home, and perfect for both busy nights and special gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Optional Add-ins
  • White wine for deglazing
  • Baby spinach for extra greens
  • Cherry tomatoes for sweetness
  • Crushed walnuts for crunch

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater for parmesan

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, but reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.
  4. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and optional white wine. Simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with sauce. Add Parmesan and reserved pasta water as needed to coat.
  7. Return shrimp to skillet and toss everything together.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
  • Use large shrimp (16–20 count) for the best texture—they cook quickly and stay juicy.
  • Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear in the garlic butter.
  • Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side—overcooking makes them rubbery.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or pasta water to create a silky garlic butter sauce.
  • Always salt your pasta water generously—this seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Serving Suggestions
  • Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed spinach to balance richness.
  • For a lighter twist, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley on top for that restaurant-style finish.
  • Pair with a glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Make-Ahead & Storage
  • Make-Ahead: Cook pasta ahead and store separately; toss with sauce and shrimp just before serving.
  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Not recommended (shrimp and pasta lose texture).
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce—avoid microwaving too long.
Tasty Variations to Try
  • Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add extra lemon juice and zest for brightness.
  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking for a kick.
  • Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
  • Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
  • Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap regular pasta for dietary needs without losing flavor.