Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

🦐🧄 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Rich, buttery shrimp tossed with pasta and garlic for a simple, irresistible meal.
📝 Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and elegant dish that combines juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s packed with flavor yet simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. The buttery sauce, fragrant garlic, and a touch of lemon create a delicious balance that coats every strand of pasta.
🧾 Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss well to coat the pasta.
Add Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix gently.
Finish the Dish
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta. Toss lightly and serve immediately.
⭐ Optional Additions
Cherry tomatoes for sweetness
Spinach for extra greens
A splash of white wine in the sauce
Extra Parmesan cheese on top
💡 Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook very quickly.
Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
✅ Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a comforting yet sophisticated meal that comes together in about 20 minutes. With its rich buttery sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly easy to make at home.