This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a dreamy dish! It features tender shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with spaghetti, making it a quick meal that’s full of flavor.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic and butter? I could eat this every day! Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of color. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine or spaghetti for this dish, but you can easily swap them out for fettuccine or whole wheat pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary!
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect here. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work just as well—just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to, letting you control the saltiness. If you want a healthier twist, you can use olive oil in place of butter for a lighter dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can substitute with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove, but I really recommend fresh for the best taste.
How Should I Cook the Shrimp for the Best Flavor?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky, but it’s simple once you know how! The key is to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil and just enough butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove them as soon as they are cooked!
Keeping an eye on the color change is the secret here – once they turn pink, they’re ready. This way, your shrimp will be juicy and tender.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off as preferred)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Extras:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes around 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, and another 10 minutes combining everything in a skillet. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, add them to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they soften slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together to combine. Then, return the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it well with the shrimp and garlic butter. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
5. Final Adjustments:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Make sure everything is well mixed and heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the garlic butter shrimp pasta to serving plates. If desired, top with extra parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Dig into this flavorful, garlicky treat and enjoy!
This recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also impressively delicious—perfect for pasta lovers!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can let them thaw in the fridge overnight or speed up the process by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. You might miss some creaminess, but it still delivers great flavor. Coconut oil is another tasty alternative if you’re going for a different twist.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture and creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can skip the shrimp and replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a delicious and hearty veggie version. Just stir-fry them until cooked through before adding the garlic and pasta!
