Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Rich, Creamy & Flavorful Seafood Pasta Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a satisfying yet quick dinner, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is your answer. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that will have you savoring every bite. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time of just under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal or a delicious dish to impress your guests during a special occasion.
The balance of garlic butter with juicy shrimp, a touch of cream, and the comfort of pasta makes this dish irresistible. It’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough for a dinner party, and its flavors are sure to delight anyone who loves seafood. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and satisfying dish!
🧑🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
You’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for cooking shrimp and sauce)
- Strainer or colander (to drain pasta)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife (for mincing garlic)
🛒 Ingredients
This dish requires simple yet flavorful ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for seasoning pasta water)
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on or tail-off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking shrimp and sauce)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Optional:
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Lemon zest for an extra citrus kick
👨🍳 How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8–10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta, saving about 1 cup of the pasta water to use later if needed for the sauce. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) for a bit of heat. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Then, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a little more pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for added freshness. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and extra lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus.
🔄 Variations
You can easily customize this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe by adding different flavors or ingredients. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce for extra spice.
- Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta: Add a small can of crushed tomatoes to the sauce for a rich tomato-based twist.
- Lobster or Crab Pasta: Swap the shrimp for lobster tails or crab meat for an indulgent version of this recipe.
- Garlic Butter Veggie Pasta: Toss in some sautéed spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for a veggie-packed version.
- Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Add a spoonful of basil pesto to the garlic butter sauce for a fresh, herbal flavor.
🍳 Cooking Note
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Pasta cooking water: This starchy water is great for helping the sauce adhere to the pasta and enhancing the creaminess of the sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with several sides:
- Garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus for a light, healthy side
- Caesar salad or Greek salad for a fresh, tangy contrast
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes
- White wine or sparkling water for a refreshing drink pairing
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use shrimp with the shell on: If possible, buy shrimp with the shells on and peel them yourself. The shells add extra flavor to the dish.
- Use a large skillet: A large pan ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and the sauce has enough room to reduce.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
- No heavy cream?: You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
🌟 Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Cook shrimp just right – Perfectly cooked shrimp are the key to this dish. Make sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they’re opaque.
- Use good pasta – For best texture, choose high-quality pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
- Don’t rush the sauce – Allow the garlic to sauté slowly to release its rich flavor and avoid burning it.
- Add some zest – Lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Finish with fresh herbs – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.
⏱️ Prep Time:
10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time:
15–20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time:
25–30 minutes
🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully before cooking to avoid extra moisture.
Q: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a lighter option.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the garlic butter sauce and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the shrimp and sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
✅ Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the succulent taste of shrimp, making it an irresistible meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or date nights, this recipe is both easy to make and delicious
