Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe featuring juicy shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy dish is perfect for weeknights or an elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Cook the Shrimp
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and remaining olive oil. Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2 minutes. If using heavy cream, stir it in at this point.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Add shrimp back to the skillet.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve immediately!
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Creamy Version – Add heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken or scallops.
- Veggie Additions – Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: pasta,seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, Easy Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Quick Seafood Dinner, Weeknight Pasta Recipe