Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a plate of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, steaming hot and filled with the aromas of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The combination of tender shrimp, silky pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce is pure perfection – an elegant meal that's deceptively simple to make.

I first made this dish when I was short on time but still wanted to serve something special for dinner. It quickly became a household favorite, loved for its ease and restaurant-quality flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemmas.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet luxurious recipe! Here’s why this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta will win a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With a cook time of under 30 minutes, you can whip this up even on your busiest nights. No complicated techniques or long ingredient lists required.

The flavors are absolutely mouthwatering. The buttery garlic sauce, with a splash of fresh lemon juice, coats the pasta and shrimp beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that feels both indulgent and light.

It’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or treating yourself, this dish suits every occasion. Even picky eaters will be won over by its comforting, familiar flavors.

Finally, it’s versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust flavors to suit your preferences, making it a recipe you'll want to come back to again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special.

• Shrimp: Use medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best results. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp work wonderfully too – just thaw them before cooking.
• Pasta: Long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine pairs beautifully with the silky garlic butter sauce. Opt for a high-quality brand to elevate the dish even further.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of these fats ensures a rich, flavorful base without being overly heavy. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star of the sauce. Don’t skimp here – it’s the heart of the recipe!
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and adding a touch of acidity.
• Parmesan Cheese: While optional, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan takes the dish to the next level. Its nutty flavor complements the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness, tying all the flavors together.

You'll also need basic kitchen tools like a large skillet, a pasta pot, and tongs for tossing the pasta in the sauce.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Creating this delicious dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta every time:

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in the shrimp, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, then stir in the cooked shrimp. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

This recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinner plans.

Storage Options

While Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later.

• Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing to maintain its texture.
• Freezing: While the shrimp can freeze well, the pasta and sauce may lose their optimal texture. If freezing, store the shrimp separately from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some variations to try:

• Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus for extra nutrients and color.
• Switch the protein: Not a fan of shrimp? Substitute with grilled chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of heat.
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Herb swap: Basil, cilantro, or chives can replace parsley for a different flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – this recipe is forgiving and fun to customize!

Now that you’ve got everything you need to create this irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

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