Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

The creamy richness of garlic butter pairs perfectly with plump, juicy shrimp in this indulgent pasta dish. The subtle spice of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of kick, while Parmesan cheese ties it all together with a savory touch.

Quick enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or trying to impress someone special, this dish delivers in both flavor and presentation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

8 oz linguine pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Cook the linguine pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in lemon juice and cooked shrimp, simmer for 1-2 more minutes.
Toss in the cooked linguine pasta and mix until everything is coated with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy Seafood Classic That Wins Every Time

When it comes to quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meals that you can make at home, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a showstopper. It’s a meal that feels indulgent without requiring a laundry list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With the creamy richness of garlic butter, tender and juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a hint of lemon and Parmesan, this dish delivers bold flavor and beautiful texture in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, impressing dinner guests, or just trying to spice up your weeknight meals, this dish fits the bill. What makes this shrimp pasta special is its perfect balance, rich but not overwhelming, creamy but still light enough to leave you feeling satisfied rather than stuffed. It’s the type of dish that gives you that “wow” moment with every forkful.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Quick and easy to make – This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Elegant enough for special occasions – Great for date nights or entertaining friends.
Customizable – You can easily make it spicier, creamier, or even gluten-free.
One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
A great way to get more seafood into your diet – Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat.

This is the kind of meal that bridges the gap between comfort food and gourmet cuisine, it’s indulgent, yet it carries the freshness of seafood and herbs. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks, this dish invites you to play with flavors while staying grounded in classic, time-tested techniques.

The Power Combo: Garlic, Butter, and Shrimp

Garlic and butter are a match made in culinary heaven. Add shrimp to the mix, and you’ve got something truly magical. The garlic infuses the butter with a deep, aromatic flavor that coats the shrimp perfectly, while the butter keeps everything luscious and rich.

Shrimp, being naturally sweet and tender, complements this buttery garlic flavor beautifully. When cooked correctly (read: not overcooked!), shrimp brings a succulent bite that carries the creamy sauce with it. The lemon juice brightens the richness, and the red pepper flakes add just enough heat to keep things interesting.

You’ll also notice that we’re using Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, which help create a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s the kind of texture that wraps you up in warmth and keeps you coming back for more.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

While this is a simple dish, the quality of ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what to look out for:

Shrimp: Go for large or jumbo shrimp, preferably wild-caught for the best flavor. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can work, but fresh or thawed raw shrimp will deliver better flavor and texture.
Pasta: Linguine is a classic choice for shrimp pasta, but fettuccine or spaghetti also work well. If you want to make it gluten-free, feel free to use gluten-free pasta options.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced. The flavor difference is significant—fresh garlic will infuse the butter more effectively, giving your dish that signature garlicky aroma.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, which is especially important when you’re also using cheese.
Cream & Cheese: Use full-fat heavy cream for a silky texture, and always go for freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and often contains anti-caking agents.

Variations and Substitutions

The great thing about garlic butter shrimp pasta is how versatile it is. You can tweak the base recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Use different seafood: Scallops, crab meat, or even chunks of salmon can work beautifully.
Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with full-fat coconut milk.
Low-carb version: Serve the shrimp and sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, 1–2 minutes per side is usually enough. They should be opaque and slightly curled.
Reserve pasta water: Before draining your pasta, save a bit of the starchy pasta water. It helps to loosen up the sauce and helps it stick to the noodles.
Cook garlic gently: Burnt garlic becomes bitter. Sauté it over medium heat just until fragrant.
Toss the pasta well: Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the garlic butter sauce before serving.
Garnish matters: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan adds color and flavor to the finished plate.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Pasta

While this dish is certainly indulgent, it also brings some solid nutritional value:

Shrimp is rich in high-quality protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine, and it’s low in calories and fat.
Garlic contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Parmesan adds calcium and protein, though it should be used in moderation due to its sodium content.
Olive oil and butter offer healthy fats when used mindfully.
Pasta provides complex carbohydrates for energy, especially when opting for whole wheat or legume-based options.

With balanced portions and the inclusion of healthy fats and proteins, this can be a nutritious meal that supports energy levels and satiety.

Pairing Suggestions

Want to round out your meal? Try pairing this garlic butter shrimp pasta with:

A crisp salad – Arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are great side options.
White wine – A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood and cream.
Garlic bread – Because more garlic is never a bad thing.

A Comforting Yet Elegant Choice

What we love most about this dish is how it strikes a balance between comfort and elegance. It’s the kind of recipe that makes any dinner feel special, yet it’s easy enough to whip up even when you’re short on time. With just a few key ingredients, shrimp, pasta, garlic, butter, and cream you get a luxurious dish that tastes like it came out of a five-star kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a dish that always earns compliments. It’s rich, creamy, garlicky, and absolutely satisfying. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved staple in so many kitchens around the world.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is more than just a recipe, it’s a go-to comfort dish, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a reminder that cooking at home can be just as rewarding as dining out. With its quick prep time, easy technique, and knockout flavor, it’s no surprise that this recipe continues to win hearts everywhere.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just beginning your culinary journey, this dish proves that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few quality ingredients, a hot skillet, and a little love are all it takes to create something truly special.

So next time you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and full of flavor, give this garlic butter shrimp pasta a try. You’ll be glad you did.

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