Picture this: juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce with just the right amount of zing from fresh lemon. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich flavors with an elegance that makes it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The first time I made this dish, I was surprised by how quickly it came together – in under 30 minutes! Now, it’s my go-to recipe when I want something easy but impressive. Ready to whip up this delicious meal? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce, infused with lemon and Parmesan, is irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and carbs from pasta, it’s a well-rounded meal.
- Customizable: Add veggies, adjust the spice level, or switch up the pasta – this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to the bold flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp, peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them before cooking.
- Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential for that rich, aromatic flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter creates the base of the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: Used alongside butter for sautéing the shrimp and adding depth to the sauce.
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty touch to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a gentle heat to the dish.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
With just a handful of ingredients, this dish delivers big on flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in your own kitchen:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside. - Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water and the lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. - Combine Everything
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. - Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a pasta dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Storage Options
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat leftovers with these tips:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating.
Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of the shrimp and the butter-based sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile, making it easy to customize to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
- Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.
- Lighter Version: Use olive oil in place of some of the butter, and swap the Parmesan for a lighter cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Pasta Alternatives: Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas for added color and nutrition.
Feel free to get creative – this dish is a fantastic base for experimenting with flavors and textures!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Enjoy!
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is an easy, flavorful dish made with succulent shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth (or white wine), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss with the pasta, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
Leave a Reply