When you're craving a satisfying meal that comes together in a flash, look no further than this incredibly delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is genuinely simple enough for a busy weeknight. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp swimming in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it’s about to become your new kitchen reality!
This recipe is a true lifesaver for those evenings when time is short but you still want something homemade and bursting with flavor. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time that barely touches 30 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table faster than you can order takeout.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, it’s so fast! Ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is rich, aromatic, and perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Customizable: Easily add vegetables or adjust spice levels to your liking.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to adore.
Let's dive into creating this delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (thawed) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tails on or off is your preference.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is our go-to, but linguine or fettuccine works beautifully too.
- Garlic: The star of the show! Use fresh garlic and don't be shy.
- Butter & Olive Oil: The base for our decadent sauce.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for a little kick, and fresh ground pepper. A little salt will also be needed for the pasta water and sauce.
- Pasta Water (or Broth): This is key for creating a silky smooth sauce.
Preparing the garlic is crucial for this recipe. Make sure to mince it finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the sauce. A Quality Chef's Knife can make this task much easier and safer, allowing for precise cuts every time.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
Shrimp cook incredibly fast. You want them to be pink and opaque. As soon as they curl into a 'C' shape, they're likely done. An 'O' shape means they're overcooked and will be rubbery.
Al Dente Pasta
Cook your pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente – meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It will finish cooking slightly in the sauce.
Don't Skimp on Garlic!
The recipe calls for 6-8 cloves, but if you're a garlic lover, feel free to add even more. The flavor mellows beautifully when cooked.
Variations & Add-ins
- Add Vegetables: Sauté some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus with the garlic for added nutrients and color.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of zest at the end brightens the entire dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: A grating of fresh Parmesan cheese over the top before serving is always a good idea.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's an experience. It's the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, proving that incredible meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!
FAQs
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
To ensure your shrimp are perfectly tender, cook them quickly over medium-high heat. Shrimp cook very fast, usually only 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main cause of rubbery texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this garlic butter shrimp recipe works wonderfully with other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne or fusilli. Choose your favorite, just be sure to cook it al dente.
What can I add to my garlic butter shrimp pasta for extra flavor?
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay) to the sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end, or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. A pinch of parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This quick and delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta features succulent shrimp in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
1 lb spaghetti noodles
6-8 cloves garlic, minced (to taste)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water or chicken/vegetable broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, fresh ground pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Step 3: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Step 5: Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Pour in the reserved pasta water (or broth) and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine all the flavors.
Step 6: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through. Add more pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
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