Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you love a dish that blends the comforting embrace of buttery pasta with the bright, savory punch of shrimp and garlic, then you are absolutely going to adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a special dinner yet comes together quickly enough for a weeknight meal. Juicy shrimp cooked in rich garlic butter sauce over perfectly al dente pasta, balanced with a splash of lemon and fresh parsley, makes every bite a delightful celebration of flavor and texture. This is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is like assembling a simple but powerful team of flavors. Each item plays a crucial role — from the silky butter that enriches the sauce to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and brightness. Together, they create a perfectly balanced and satisfying dish.

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite long noodle for the best texture to hold the sauce.
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp work beautifully, bringing succulent seafood flavor.
• 3 tablespoons butter: The heart of the sauce, delivering luxurious creaminess and richness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch, essential in garlic butter dishes.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just enough heat to awaken the flavors without overpowering.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly into the pasta.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with vibrant green color and fresh herb notes.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to balance and elevate every flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a zesty lift that cuts through the richness and brings freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your chosen pasta in well-salted water until it’s perfectly al dente — tender, but with a slight bite. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a secret weapon for loosening up the sauce later and helping it cling better to the noodles.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp in Garlic Butter

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds, but it’s the moment when the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. Add the shrimp, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn perfectly pink and opaque.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

With the shrimp cooked, add the drained pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in garlic butter sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it seep into every strand of pasta, making each bite rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Herbs, and Lemon

Now comes the final flourish: stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. These ingredients add layers of sharpness, fresh herbaceous notes, and bright acidity that take the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta from delicious to unforgettable. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Adding extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving takes this dish to the next level. The cheese melts slightly on top, adding mouthwatering gooeyness, while the parsley adds a fresh crunch and pop of green that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread to sop up every last bit of buttery sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, also complement the richness of the shrimp and pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in shallow bowls, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and garnished with thin lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. For a casual vibe, plate it in wide pasta bowls sprinkled with chili flakes, fresh parsley, and a cracked black pepper finish to excite your guests visually and tastefully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect next-day treat for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While the shrimp’s texture can change slightly after freezing, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta if needed. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving too long to preserve the tender texture of shrimp and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this dish spicy because of the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can easily omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a wedge will give the best flavor and melt quality, but pre-grated cheese works in a pinch.

Can I substitute butter with olive oil?

You can swap butter for olive oil for a lighter take, though butter gives that rich, silky texture and flavor that makes this dish so special.

How do I keep the shrimp tender and not rubbery?

Cooking shrimp just a few minutes per side until pink and opaque is key. Overcooking quickly turns them rubbery, so keep a close eye while sautéing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple yet elegant, packed with layers of flavor that somehow come together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. So gather your ingredients, get that skillet hot, and dive into a delicious meal that’s waiting to brighten your day.