This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a true delight! With juicy shrimp coated in garlic butter, it’s a simple yet tasty dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Honestly, who can resist that buttery sauce? I sometimes just make extra for dipping bread. 🤤 Trust me; it’s a win-win!
Making this recipe is super easy! Just cook the pasta and toss it with the shrimp and sauce—quick and satisfying for any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works wonderfully for this dish, but you can swap in any pasta you love, like spaghetti or even a gluten-free version if needed.
Shrimp: Using large shrimp is ideal, but medium-sized shrimp can work too. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use frozen shrimp—just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking!
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute!
Garlic: Fresh garlic has the best flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder can be used. Just adjust the amount to taste—about 1/8 tsp per clove of fresh garlic you’d usually use.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If out of fresh lemons, a splash of bottled lemon juice works as an alternative, but fresh is always better!
How Can I Get My Shrimp Just Right?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but aim for that perfect pink color! Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding shrimp for that nice sear.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and slightly curled. Don’t overcook—this can make them rubbery!
- Remember to season your shrimp well with salt and pepper before cooking for extra flavor.
And don’t forget to set them aside while you make the sauce; you’ll want them warm but not overcooked when you toss them back in.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta while you sauté the shrimp and make the sauce. It’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Searing the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. As soon as it melts, add the minced garlic and optional red chili flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma, but make sure not to let it burn!
4. Combining Flavors:
Next, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then pour in the reserved pasta water. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
5. Mixing It All Together:
Now, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing everything to coat it in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, giving it a good stir to combine. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
6. Finishing Touches:
Gently reintroduce the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until the shrimp is warmed through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is ready to serve! Dish it up immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if you like. Enjoy every bite, preferably with a side of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce!
This dish combines rich flavors and textures, and I bet you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. About 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove of fresh garlic. Adjust to taste, since dried garlic is more concentrated.
How Do I Make This Dish Spicier?
For extra heat, add more red chili flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the garlic. You can also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce right before serving to amp up the spice level!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little splash of water to help reinvigorate the sauce if it has thickened.
