Table of Contents
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a winner. With only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a delightful, restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
300g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine works best)
500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it generously with salt. Add your choice of pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work great) and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but reserve about half a cup of the cooking water for later. Having a perfectly cooked pasta forms the base of your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta and helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
2. Sauté the shrimp
As the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. Be sure not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough quickly. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, leaving the remaining butter in the pan for the next step.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute, just until it becomes aromatic and slightly golden. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes here. Keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning, which can happen quickly.
4. Add lemon and shrimp
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, giving the sauce a bright, zesty flavor. This complements the richness of the butter and garlic beautifully. Add the shrimp back to the pan, allowing them to absorb the flavors as they heat through for about a minute.
5. Combine with pasta
Add the drained pasta into the pan, stirring it into the sauce and shrimp mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems a little dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until the consistency is just right. This step ensures your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is perfectly saucy without being too heavy.
6. Garnish and serve
Dish up the pasta and shrimp onto plates, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp in every forkful. This meal is not only a feast for the taste buds but also visually stunning, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: You can have this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is infused with lemon and red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Versatile: You can easily swap out the shrimp for chicken, or make it vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is one of those recipes that’s not only quick but also sure to impress. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
1. Choose the Right Pasta
While spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with different pasta types based on your preference. If you’re in a rush, thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta will cook much faster and still soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, try to use fresh garlic, fresh lemon, and fresh parsley. Pre-minced garlic or bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bold flavors as freshly minced garlic or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Shrimp Cooking Tips
Make sure your shrimp is completely thawed and dried before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and chewy, so be careful to cook them just until they’re opaque and pink. Two to three minutes per side is perfect!
4. Adjust the Heat
If you love a bit of spice, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you’re cooking for kids or someone sensitive to spice, you can leave them out completely or reduce the amount to a pinch.
5. Customize Your Dish
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to add more greens? Toss in some spinach or arugula when you mix the pasta and sauce. For a heartier dish, sauté some mushrooms or add cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Don’t Forget the Parmesan
While this is optional, freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish to the next level. If you’re a fan of cheese, feel free to be generous with it!
Pairing Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is delightful on its own, but if you’re looking to serve it with a side, here are a few great ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Keep the garlic theme going! A warm, toasty slice of garlic bread pairs beautifully with this pasta.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the butter sauce.
- Grilled Veggies: If you want a little more substance, grilled zucchini or asparagus make a great, light side dish.
Bon appétit! 🍝
Let us know how it turned out in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us on social media when you make this dish!