Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There is something truly irresistible about a dish that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, which is exactly what makes this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe a must-try for any pasta lover. Imagine tender shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce clinging lovingly to strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish arrives on your plate looking fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat. Every bite is a celebration of savory garlic, silky butter, and the bright touch of parsley and lemon that brightens the whole experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward, kitchen-friendly ingredients is all you need to create this show-stopping Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the shrimp that brings a tender seafood sweetness, to the butter and garlic that create a luscious base for the sauce, and parsley that adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

• 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta shape to soak up that garlicky buttery goodness.
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
• 4 tbsp butter: A key ingredient that delivers richness and helps meld the flavors together.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that’s the heart of this recipe.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh herbal note and brightens the overall dish.
• Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty finish that makes the dish pop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures that the pasta has just the right bite and is ready to soak up the delicious sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save a splash of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté garlic in butter

While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it gently until fragrant and golden but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. This step extracts the full aroma and flavor from the garlic, which is the star seasoning in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter, seasoning them with salt and pepper as they cook. Stir them gently, allowing the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy with every bite.

Step 4: Combine shrimp and pasta

Next, toss the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet and mix it with the shrimp and butter garlic sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and give everything a good toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with flavor. If the sauce feels a little thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches make a big difference. Serving this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe with lemon wedges elevates the dish by adding a fresh, tangy contrast that balances the richness beautifully. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese if you like.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some garlic bread toasted to golden perfection. These accompaniments bring texture and complement the buttery, garlicky shrimp flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or just jazz up your dinner table, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls or plates and garnish each portion with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil for shine and richness, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a subtle kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe, cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it a quick and easy lunch option for the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal because the shrimp can lose their texture and the pasta sauce might separate slightly. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool fully, pack airtight, and consume within a month for best results. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating tends to dry out the shrimp, so stovetop is preferred to keep the flavors fresh and textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to try linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh shrimp?

Frozen shrimp work perfectly if thawed properly before cooking. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe to ensure the shrimp are tender and absorb the garlicky butter flavor fully.

Is this recipe spicy?

Nope, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is mild by nature. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic to add a gentle heat kick if you prefer.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious and rich.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque all the way through, which usually takes just a few minutes. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a shining example of simplicity meeting sensational flavor in the best way possible. It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve when friends drop by. I promise once you try it, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for seafood pasta. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to a plate that feels like a warm hug in every bite!

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