Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Weeknight Magic

Whipping up a mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Seafood enthusiasts know the magic of combining succulent shrimp with rich, velvety butter.

Aromas of roasted garlic will dance through your kitchen, promising a delectable meal ahead.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in minutes.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when crafting this irresistible pasta.

Fragrant herbs and a squeeze of lemon can elevate the entire experience, adding brightness to each delightful bite.

Savor every moment of creating this restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: What Makes It Special

• Quick and Simple Meal: Whip up this delicious shrimp pasta in just a few easy steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Combine the rich garlic butter sauce with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta for a mouthwatering dish that will impress family and friends.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize the recipe by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or adding extra herbs, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this skillet-based recipe that uses minimal dishes while delivering maximum flavor in a single cooking vessel.

Shrimp Pasta Ingredients For Ultimate Flavor

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the protein centerpiece of this pasta dish.
• Pasta: The foundational starch that provides a delicious base for the shrimp and sauce.
• Butter: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth of flavor and a hint of spicy warmth to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and pasta.

• Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh herbs and sharp cheese that provide brightness and extra flavor.
• Lemon: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that complements the richness of the shrimp and butter.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle underlying flavor during cooking.

Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a pot of salted water according to package directions.

Carefully scoop out and save some pasta water before draining the noodles completely.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink color.

Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.

Step 4: Spice Up the Dish

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet for an optional kick of heat.

• Cooked pasta
• Seared shrimp
• Reserved pasta water

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately while hot.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra Parmesan cheese for those who want an additional flavor boost.

Tips For The Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Save that starchy liquid when draining pasta to create a silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients stick perfectly.
• Watch for the color change from gray to pink, which signals they're done to prevent rubbery texture – 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot.
• Add minced garlic at the right moment to release flavor without burning, which can make it bitter and unpleasant.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from a gentle warmth to a spicy kick.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add bright color and a fresh herbal note that elevates the entire dish.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Try These Swaps

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with marinated tofu cubes or plant-based seafood alternatives, using vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate oregano, basil, and a splash of white wine to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired seafood pasta.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Add Cajun seasoning, swap butter for andouille sausage fat, and include bell peppers for a New Orleans-style interpretation of the original recipe.

Serving Up Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Sunset Beach Dinner: Spread a beach towel on the sand, serve the pasta in colorful bowls, and enjoy the ocean breeze with this zesty dish.
• Romantic Date Night Plating: Twirl pasta beautifully on white plates, garnish with extra parsley, and pair with chilled white wine for an elegant touch.
• Quick Weeknight Family Meal: Create a family-style setup with large serving bowl, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and let everyone help themselves to seconds.
• Wine Pairing Feast: Match the shrimp pasta with crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the garlic and seafood flavors.

Keeping Shrimp Pasta Fresh & Delicious

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Warm on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and help restore moisture.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Stir continuously to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking the shrimp.
• Skip freezing this dish, as pasta and shrimp can become mushy and lose their original texture when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and develop a nice golden color.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely based on your spice preference.

• What type of pasta works best?

This recipe is versatile with any pasta shape. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great options that hold the garlic butter sauce well.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead. Cook pasta and shrimp separately, then combine just before serving to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.

Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal charm right to dinner tables. Delicate shrimp nestled in silky sauce over tender noodles delivers restaurant-quality comfort you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Carbohydrates:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti or linguine)

Seasonings and Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente following package guidelines, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for seafood preparation.
3. Introduce seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet, cooking swiftly for 2-3 minutes until achieving a vibrant pink coloration and slight curl, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet heat and gently melt butter, allowing it to become golden and fragrant.
5. Infuse the butter with minced garlic, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for optional heat and complexity, creating a nuanced flavor profile.
7. Reintroduce cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the skillet, delicately combining with reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce.
8. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley, tossing ingredients to ensure even distribution.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring balanced flavors.
10. Present immediately, garnishing with bright lemon wedges and additional Parmesan for enhanced visual appeal and taste.

Notes

• Perfectly time the shrimp cooking to prevent rubbery texture by watching for pink color and slight curl.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to create silky sauce that helps ingredients cling together seamlessly.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences without overwhelming other flavors.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg