Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Succulent shrimp dance through a luxurious garlic butter pasta that promises pure culinary delight.

The aroma of garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe fills the kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Tender pink shrimp nestle perfectly among silky strands of pasta.

Each forkful brings a rich, buttery explosion of flavor that melts instantly on your tongue.

Fresh herbs and a hint of lemon brighten this classic comfort dish.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this simple yet elegant recipe.

You’ll want seconds before the first bite is even finished.

Reasons to Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Enjoy the perfect balance of zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, and succulent shrimp that creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your own dining room.
• Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste by adjusting seasonings, swapping pasta types, or adding extra vegetables for a personalized touch that keeps the whole family excited about dinner.
• Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that comes together in a single pan, making it an ideal solution for weeknight meals or impromptu dinner gatherings.

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta with Garlic

• Fettuccine Pasta: A long, flat pasta that serves as the hearty base for this delicious seafood dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides protein and a sweet, delicate flavor to the pasta.

• Garlic, Parsley: Aromatics that add depth and freshness to the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Citrus elements that brighten the dish and complement the shrimp's natural sweetness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the other flavors.

• Butter, Cooking Oil: Fats that create a rich, smooth sauce and help cook the ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that melts into a creamy sauce and adds a savory, nutty flavor.

How to Cook Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop in the fettuccine and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Keep a cup of pasta water on standby – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Once cooked, drain the pasta carefully.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Heat cooking oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for about two minutes.

Watch closely to prevent burning – you want golden and fragrant, not bitter and brown.

Step 3: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Melt butter into the pan and introduce the shrimp.

Spread them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Stir occasionally and cook until the shrimp transform into delicate C-shaped morsels with a beautiful opaque pink color.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy consistency.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Create Harmonious Mixture

Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the pan with shrimp and sauce.

Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the luscious garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

This final touch adds a burst of color and a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Shrimp Pasta Cooking Tips

• Watch garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning, which creates a bitter taste. Remove from heat immediately if it starts turning dark brown to maintain a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold helps create a silky, clingy sauce and can rescue a dish that's become too thick or dry with just a few splashes.
• Zest the lemon before juicing to capture maximum citrus essence. The zest adds intense, bright flavor that complements the rich garlic butter sauce without making the dish too acidic.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and add it off the direct heat to prevent clumping. Stir continuously to help it melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious coating for the pasta.

Storing Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Separate shrimp and pasta to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or extra butter to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Drizzle reserved pasta water or olive oil to revive the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir continuously for even heating.
• Freeze without parsley garnish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best quality and taste.

What to Serve with Shrimp Pasta

• Enhance Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Flavor Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy butter sauce and complement the delicate shrimp flavors.
• Zesty Citrus Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the dish's tangy notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or baguette slices to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped basil or chives alongside the parsley to intensify the herb profile and add bright, aromatic layers to the dish.

Shrimp Pasta Twist Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional fettuccine with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or quinoa to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This version works perfectly for those avoiding dairy products while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to introduce a kick of heat. Consider using jumbo shrimp or swap shrimp with spicy andouille sausage for a different protein experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands. These vegetable-based options provide a lighter, lower-carbohydrate approach while keeping the garlic butter sauce intact.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

• How do I know if the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and form a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during cooking.

• What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Fettuccine is recommended, but you can also use linguine or spaghetti. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the garlic butter sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The original recipe is not spicy. If you want to add heat, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the dish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with minimal effort. Creamy, herbed sauce and perfectly seared shrimp create a quick gourmet meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp
• 12 ounces (12 oz) fettuccine
• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 lemon juice
• 1/4 lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) cooking oil
• sea salt
• black pepper

Garnish and Optional:

(None)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of water, generously salting it for enhanced pasta flavor. Bring to a rolling boil at high heat, around 212°F.
2. Cook fettuccine for approximately 10 minutes until perfectly al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract and reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
3. Select a spacious skillet and warm cooking oil over medium temperature, approximately 350°F. Introduce finely chopped garlic, sautéing delicately for two minutes until aromatic without scorching.
4. Incorporate butter into the skillet, allowing complete melting. Arrange shrimp in a uniform layer, ensuring maximum surface contact for even cooking.
5. Gently sauté shrimp for 4-6 minutes, flipping periodically. Watch for visual transformation: shrimp turning opaque and curling into characteristic “C” shapes signaling perfect doneness.
6. Introduce lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a harmonious, velvety sauce. Utilize reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
7. Transfer cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, using tongs to meticulously coat pasta with shrimp and sauce, ensuring comprehensive distribution.
8. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the dish, adding vibrant color and subtle herbal complexity to the rich preparation.

Notes

• Prevent shrimp from overcooking by watching for the “C” curl and opaque color, which signals perfectly cooked seafood.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding pre-minced versions that can taste less vibrant and aromatic.
• Keep pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, helping create a silky, smooth texture without compromising flavor.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg