Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Discovering Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta was like stumbling upon a little treasure in my kitchen, a dish that instantly felt both fancy and comforting. The rich garlic butter mingling with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta created a flavor combination that hooked me from the very first bite.

I remember the first time I made this when unexpected friends dropped by. It came together so fast and everyone couldn’t stop complimenting the garlicky buttery sauce, making it an instant go-to dish.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or Linguine: I love using spaghetti for its classic feel, but linguine holds the sauce beautifully too.
• Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined is key for easy eating, and size matters—larger shrimp give a meaty bite.
• Unsalted Butter: This lets you control the salt level perfectly while adding silky richness.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced to release that deep, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon: The zest and juice brighten the whole dish, cutting through the butter.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that balance the richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated finely to melt into the sauce, adding umami depth.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Boil salted water for the pasta until it bubbles with promise, then cook until perfectly al dente. Reserved pasta water will be your secret for silky sauce texture.

Season the Shrimp:

Pat them dry like a pro, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to wake up their flavor.

Sauté Shrimp Magic:

Melt butter and olive oil in your skillet and hear the delightful sizzle as shrimp cook just until opaque, juicy and tender, then set aside.

Build the Sauce:

Add more butter and garlic to the warm pan, letting the garlic perfume the air without browning too much; this is where the magic aroma starts to fill your kitchen.

Brighten It Up:

Stir in lemon zest and juice, then bring shrimp back into the skillet to coat in that lush sauce.

Toss Pasta in Sauce:

Add pasta with reserved water to loosen the sauce, tossing continuously to get every strand coated in buttery garlicky goodness.

Finish with Herbs and Cheese:

Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, tasting and adjusting seasoning for that perfect balance.

Serve and Enjoy:

Dish up immediately, maybe with extra cheese and parsley on top, and savor every comforting bite.

Save

This dish became more than just dinner one chilly evening, turning into a celebration of simple ingredients and warm company that I still remember fondly.

Keeping It Fresh

Fresh parsley and lemon zest added right at the end make all the difference, bringing brightness and lifting the rich flavors without overpowering them.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio and a light salad to round out the meal perfectly when friends come over.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

I once whipped this up with whatever shrimp I had in the freezer and it turned a stressful last-minute dinner into a lovely shared moment.

• Remember to reserve pasta water before draining, it’s a game changer.
• If you like a little heat, don’t skip the red pepper flakes.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they continue cooking off the heat!

Save

Thanks for cooking along with me — I hope this garlic butter shrimp pasta finds a happy place on your table as it did on mine.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the garlic butter sauce well and complement the shrimp texture.

→ How do I ensure the shrimp stay tender?

Cook shrimp briefly over medium-high heat until just opaque to keep them juicy and tender without overcooking.

→ Can I adjust the sauce to be creamier?

Yes, adding a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce creates a richer, creamier texture.

→ What can I substitute if I prefer milder flavors?

Omit the red pepper flakes and reduce garlic slightly to soften the overall flavor profile.

→ How is the sauce made silky without cream?

Reserved pasta water is added gradually to the garlic butter and shrimp mixture, emulsifying fats and starches for a smooth finish.