Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta — what a dish! 🍤🍝 It’s rich, buttery, garlicky, and absolutely satisfying. This is the perfect combination of shrimp and pasta coated in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. It’s indulgent but still feels light and fresh.
Here’s an easy recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that you’ll love:
🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works best)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or white wine for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and melt it over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it).
- Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and bring to a simmer, letting it cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken up.
4. Combine pasta and shrimp:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta.
- Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick (you want it to coat the pasta nicely).
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side if you like.
Serving Suggestions
- Side salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a fresh Caprese salad for a balanced meal.
- Garlic bread: Don’t forget some garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Wine pairing: A crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair beautifully with this dish.
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Throw in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus for extra color and flavor.
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Shrimp size: If using larger shrimp, increase the cooking time slightly — just be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and elegant meal that feels like a restaurant dish, but it comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight or a special occasion. Let me know if you want any tips on side dishes or desserts to go with it!
