Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, restaurant-quality dinner you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, fresh lemon, and parsley.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or anytime you want an easy seafood recipe that’s full of flavor. The balance of buttery, garlicky sauce with tender shrimp and a hint of citrus makes it irresistible.

Why This Recipe Works

• Juicy Shrimp: Quick cooking ensures plump, tender shrimp.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Butter, garlic, and a splash of pasta water create a silky sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and lemon add brightness.

This simple combination delivers complex flavors without complicated techniques.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet.
5. Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing with garlic butter and reserved pasta water to coat.
6. Return shrimp to skillet, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with parmesan and parsley.
7. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Tips

• Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking makes it rubbery.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Adds natural starch to thicken sauce.
• Optional Heat: Red pepper flakes add subtle spice.

Variations

• Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamy garlic shrimp pasta.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning and extra red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable Addition: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up sauce.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water to restore sauce consistency.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Juicy shrimp tossed with linguine in a garlic butter sauce with lemon, parmesan, and parsley for an easy weeknight seafood dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot for pasta
• Tongs
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Cook pasta, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain.
2. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic (and red pepper flakes) and sauté 1 minute.
4. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side; remove from skillet.
5. Toss pasta in skillet with garlic butter and reserved pasta water.
6. Return shrimp to skillet; add lemon juice, parmesan, and parsley.
7. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.