The Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Seafood enthusiasts adore this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe that combines zesty flavors with creamy textures.

Succulent shrimp dance with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, buttery sauce.

The aroma of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen, promising a delightful dining experience.

Each twirl of pasta captures the delicate essence of fresh seafood and smooth butter.

Quick and easy to prepare, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your plate.

With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table.

Savor every delectable bite of this irresistible culinary creation that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Always a Favorite

• Quick Kitchen Win: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious seafood pasta.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, zesty Parmesan, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a mouthwatering taste experience that’ll impress everyone at the table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses the same skillet for cooking shrimp, creating a seamless and efficient cooking process that saves time and dishes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile enough for a casual family dinner or an elegant date night, this pasta dish appeals to both seafood lovers and those looking for a satisfying, quick meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that offers a delicate and sweet protein element to the recipe.

• Garlic, White Wine: Classic ingredients that create a rich and aromatic sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide balanced and customizable heat and seasoning.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright and clean finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for creating a smooth and flavorful cooking medium for the shrimp and sauce.

Steps for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta following package directions.

Carefully scoop out and save a half cup of starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop shrimp into the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook each side until shrimp turn a beautiful pink color, which takes about 2 minutes.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Using the same skillet, melt butter and toss in minced garlic.

Swirl and stir until garlic releases its fragrant aroma, approximately 1 minute.

Step 4: Introduce Wine Reduction

Pour white wine into the skillet and let it simmer, reducing the liquid for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Seafood

Add cooked pasta and seared shrimp back into the skillet.

Pour reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together, creating a silky sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Flavor Boosters

• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh chopped parsley

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve immediately.

Optional: Scatter extra parsley and Parmesan on top for a restaurant-style presentation.

Tips for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bliss

• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture without overcooking.
• Use pasta water to create a silky sauce that helps seasonings cling perfectly to pasta and shrimp.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or extra pasta water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Sauté garlic briefly to release aroma without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.

Shrimp Pasta Twists for Variety

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with pan-seared tofu cubes or roasted cauliflower florets for a plant-based version that maintains the garlic butter sauce’s rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute white wine with chicken broth, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired interpretation of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip pasta entirely and serve the garlic butter shrimp over cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a lighter, keto-friendly meal that keeps all the original recipe’s zesty seasonings.

Ways to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Lover’s Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic butter sauce.
• Bread Basket Bliss: Add warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the meal’s richness.
• Veggie Side Kick: Roast some asparagus or sauté zucchini with a sprinkle of herbs to create a balanced and colorful plate.

How to Store Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure shrimp and pasta are completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Stop heating once the shrimp reaches a safe temperature.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.
• Pasta with cream and seafood doesn’t freeze well, as texture and quality deteriorate quickly. Consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe for best taste and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure crispy, flavorful shrimp without excess water.

• What if I don’t have white wine?

You can substitute with chicken broth or skip it entirely without compromising the dish’s overall flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them for a milder version.

• How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and curls into a “C” shape when done, which typically takes about 2 minutes per side on medium heat.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table with silky noodles and tender seafood. Rich butter sauce and perfectly seasoned shrimp create a delightful meal that will satisfy seafood and pasta enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Herbs:

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

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, carefully preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium temperature. Introduce seasoned shrimp, cooking swiftly until they transform into a vibrant pink hue, approximately 2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and succulence.
4. Within the same skillet, gently melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatics to develop for roughly 60 seconds.
5. Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing liquid to simmer and reduce, concentrating flavors for 2-3 minutes.
6. Incorporate cooked pasta into the skillet, combining with reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce.
7. Reintroduce seared shrimp to the pan, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and freshly chopped parsley, thoroughly mixing to integrate all components.
9. Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.
10. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Always save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every single shrimp and noodle.
• Watch carefully when cooking shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery; they’re done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
• For a deeper taste profile, briefly marinate shrimp in garlic and herbs before cooking to infuse more intense flavors into the seafood.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, and use lactose-free butter for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the recipe’s delicious essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg