There’s nothing like the savory aroma of garlic butter shrimp pasta filling your kitchen. This dish is a harmonious blend of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and herbs. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to whip up.

I first tried making this recipe after a whirlwind day, looking for something comforting yet fast. To my surprise, it became a household favorite, making weeknights feel a little more special with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this luxurious yet simple dish. From its vibrant flavors to its lightning-fast preparation, garlic butter shrimp pasta checks all the boxes.
First and foremost, it’s a breeze to make. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another reason to love this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your liking—add a touch of spice, switch up the pasta, or sneak in some veggies. It adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.
The combination of flavors is simply unbeatable. Juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and velvety butter create a sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder (aside from the pasta pot). Minimal cleanup means you get to enjoy your meal without worrying about a pile of dishes. Ready to give it a try? Let’s go over the ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of garlic butter shrimp pasta lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one works in harmony to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work great here. Look for medium to large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Cooking with tails on adds more flavor, but feel free to remove them for easier eating.
- Pasta: Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are the classic choice for this dish. Their texture allows the buttery sauce to coat every strand beautifully.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the seasoning. It creates a luscious base for the sauce and pairs perfectly with the garlic.
- Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic is essential to achieving that bold, aromatic flavor. Minced garlic will disperse evenly throughout the sauce for maximum impact.
- White wine or chicken broth: A splash of white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but chicken broth works well as a non-alcoholic substitute.
- Parsley and lemon: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceousness, while a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Special equipment? Just a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. A zester for the lemon is optional but adds an elegant finishing touch.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Creating garlic butter shrimp pasta is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Combine and finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
The whole process takes about 30 minutes, leaving you with a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Storage Options
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later.
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: While the shrimp may slightly lose its texture when frozen, the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best results, as it can overcook the shrimp.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Creamy upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan for a richer sauce.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrients and color.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative, such as rice noodles or zucchini zoodles.
- Herbal variation: Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or chives instead of parsley for a unique flavor profile.
Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to suit your preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a timeless dish that brings together bold flavors, effortless preparation, and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start cooking tonight!
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a perfect blend of juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a must-try for seafood pasta lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white wine (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (1 minute). Add red pepper flakes and white wine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Add Parmesan cheese, shrimp, and parsley, and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute white wine with chicken stock or use a mix of both.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh citrusy twist.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
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