Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Irresistible Flavor

Culinary magic happens when garlic butter shrimp pasta graces your dinner table with its irresistible charm.

Seafood lovers crave this delightful combination of succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked noodles.

Melted butter and aromatic garlic create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Silky strands of pasta embrace each plump, tender shrimp in a luxurious coating.

Quick and simple preparation makes this dish a weeknight hero for busy home cooks.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every delectable bite of this comforting meal.

Jump into your kitchen and experience the pure joy of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Always Satisfies

• Combines zesty garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and bright lemon for a taste sensation that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Adapts easily to different preferences- can be made spicier, milder, or with additional vegetables to suit everyone's taste buds.
• Uses just one skillet, reducing dishes and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze, which means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots.

Everything You Need for This Flavor-Packed Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base for the dish, provides hearty texture and substance.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.

• Shrimp: Tender protein with sweet ocean flavor, works perfectly in quick-cooking dishes.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and complements shrimp's delicate taste.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that create a zesty, warm base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich fats that provide depth and smooth texture to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that cuts through richness and lifts overall flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that adds complexity.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides color and fresh herbaceous note.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta in One Go

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into boiling water, stirring occasionally. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture. Before draining, scoop out pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Shrimp with Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Swirl ingredients around for half a minute until fragrance fills the kitchen. Add shrimp in a single layer, creating space between each piece. Season with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp until they transform from translucent to rosy pink, flipping once. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Splash in reserved pasta water. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the mixture. Let sauce simmer gently, creating a silky base.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Shrimp

Pour cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss pasta until every strand gets coated with golden sauce. Return shrimp to the pan. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Flourish

Scatter chopped parsley across the dish. Add extra Parmesan and lemon wedges for those who want additional zing. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Tips for Perfect Pasta and Juicy Shrimp

• Prevent Garlic Burning: Watch garlic closely during sautéing and remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown to maintain a sweet, nutty flavor without bitterness.
• Shrimp Cooking Trick: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even heat distribution, preventing overcrowding that leads to steaming instead of proper searing.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save pasta water as a secret weapon for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that helps ingredients cling together perfectly.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference- use less for mild flavor or more for a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Fresh Ingredient Boost: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and just-chopped parsley to elevate the dish's brightness and add vibrant, restaurant-quality flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Pasta Without Clumping

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and preserve texture.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. Gently stir to prevent sticking and restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
• Refrain from freezing this dish, as shrimp and pasta can become rubbery and lose their delicate texture when thawed and reheated.

Great Pairings for This Seafood Pasta Dish

• Crisp, citrusy sauvignon blanc complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the richness of garlic butter sauce perfectly.
• Fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese balances the pasta's richness and adds bright, zesty notes to the meal.
• Toasted sourdough bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil provides a crunchy texture that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds depth to each bite.
• Light, sparkling prosecco mixed with fresh basil and lemon creates a refreshing drink that elevates the seafood's delicate flavors and cleanses the palate.

Ingredient Swaps That Keep It Fresh

Gluten-Free Hero: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rice pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free alternative that’s equally tasty.

Vegetarian Transform: Substitute shrimp with sautéed white beans, roasted chickpeas, or plant-based shrimp alternatives to keep the protein-packed essence of the original recipe while eliminating seafood.

Low-Carb Champion: Use spiralized vegetable noodles like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice as a base, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the garlic butter sauce’s rich, savory characteristics.

Pasta FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works great. Choose a shape that holds sauce well and complements the shrimp.

• How can I tell if shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked. They should curl slightly and look firm, not translucent or gray. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include some cayenne pepper for extra heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels carefully for any hidden gluten sources.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table with luxurious simplicity. Quick ingredients and seamless preparation promise a restaurant-quality meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seafood:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine

Fats and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with salted water, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight firmness. Extract and preserve a half cup of starchy liquid before draining the pasta, then set aside.
2. Select a large skillet and warm olive oil with butter over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing them to release their aromatic essence without scorching, approximately 30 seconds.
3. Arrange shrimp across the skillet’s surface in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Utilize the same skillet, incorporating remaining butter and a splash of reserved pasta water. Introduce fresh lemon juice, creating a gentle simmering environment.
5. Transfer pasta into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with the silky garlic butter sauce. Reintegrate the succulent shrimp and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, gently tossing to ensure uniform distribution.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately, offering additional Parmesan and lemon wedges for personalized garnishing.

Notes

• Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Use large or jumbo shrimp for the most tender and succulent texture, ensuring they’re deveined and patted dry before cooking.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery, tough meat.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg