Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta You’ll Crave Tonight

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a tasty dish that brings together the best of seafood and pasta.

Many people love this classic meal for its rich flavors and creamy textures.

Juicy shrimp, melted butter, and fragrant garlic create an amazing taste that pleases everyone.

This dish is popular in both Mediterranean and coastal regions as a comforting favorite.

Seafood fans enjoy how easy it is to make, whether it’s for a quick dinner or a special event.

With its blend of elegance and simplicity, garlic butter shrimp pasta offers a satisfying meal for anyone who enjoys good food.

Tasty Changes For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that caters to celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp with sautéed tofu or roasted chickpeas to create a plant-based protein version while maintaining the original garlic butter sauce flavor.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of unsalted butter, and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a lactose-free adaptation that keeps the dish's creamy essence.
• Spicy Seafood Version: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon and add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat and provide a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.

What To Know About Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• How do I know when the shrimp are cooked correctly?

Shrimp cook quickly and turn from gray to pink and curl into a “C” shape. Once they look opaque and pink, they’re done – usually about 2-3 minutes per side.

• What if I don't like spicy food?

You can completely skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. The recipe will still have great flavor without the heat.

• Is this dish healthy?

This recipe is relatively nutritious, offering lean protein from shrimp, vitamins from spinach and tomatoes, and moderate calories. It’s a balanced meal with good nutritional value.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Feels So Fancy

• Speedily Satisfy Seafood Cravings: This garlic butter shrimp pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is limited.
• Quick Cooking Adventure: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with protein from shrimp, vitamins from spinach and tomatoes, and balanced with carbohydrates from pasta, this dish offers a complete and wholesome dining experience that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to modify for different dietary preferences by swapping pasta types, adjusting spice levels, or substituting ingredients, ensuring it appeals to various taste preferences and family members' culinary needs.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta (Linguine, Spaghetti, or Fettuccine): Provides the foundation for the dish, hearty and perfect for catching sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent pasta from sticking and adds a subtle flavor base.

• Shrimp: Tender, quick-cooking protein that brings oceanic flavor and delicate texture, best when fresh and peeled.
• Chicken Broth (or Dry White Wine): Adds depth and helps create a light, flavorful sauce.

• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor that complements seafood, choose fresh and firm cloves.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with fresh, citrusy notes.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds sweet, juicy bursts of color and fresh flavor.
• Spinach: Provides nutritious green element with mild, earthy taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Garnish that provides fresh herbal aroma and visual appeal.

How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Fast

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in olive oil and let it warm up for a minute.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden crust. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Cherry tomatoes

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Toss in the cooked pasta, spinach, and shrimp. Stir gently to combine and let the spinach wilt slightly.

Step 8: Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Tips That Help With Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Watch shrimp carefully while cooking; they turn opaque and curl when done, which takes only 2-3 minutes to avoid rubbery texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté garlic briefly before adding shrimp to release its aromatic oils and create a more intense, rich flavor profile.
• Choose Perfect Pasta: Select pasta with ridges like linguine or fettuccine to help sauce cling better, ensuring each bite is packed with garlic butter goodness.
• Balance Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance; start with less and add more gradually for personalized spiciness.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure everything comes together smoothly within 15-20 minutes.

How To Store And Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Separate Components: Keep sauce and pasta separate to prevent soggy noodles and maintain better texture when reheating.
• Microwave Method: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring gently to prevent sticking and restore moisture.

Good Pairings For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the garlic and seafood, cutting through the richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Enhance with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a toasted baguette brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy element to the meal.
• Complement with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and a splash of lime to cleanse the palate and echo the dish's bright, lemony undertones.

Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory garlic butter shrimp pasta delivers Mediterranean coastal charm on a single plate. Silky noodles embrace succulent shrimp, promising a quick, elegant dinner that transports taste buds to sunny seaside kitchens.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the shrimp.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
4. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a golden-brown exterior, then transfer to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, introduce halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their natural juices.
6. Fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt quickly and integrate with the tomatoes.
7. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Reduce heat and add butter, creating a rich, silky sauce that coats the vegetables.
9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet, brightening the sauce with a citrusy tang.
10. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, gently tossing to reheat and combine with the vegetable mixture.
11. Add the cooked pasta, stirring to ensure every strand is thoroughly coated with the garlic butter sauce.
12. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture.
13. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, adding a final burst of color and herbal freshness before serving.

Notes

• Select quick-cooking pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti to ensure perfect texture and even coating with garlic butter sauce.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve beautiful golden sear and prevent watery, steamed texture instead of crispy edges.
• Reduce cooking time for shrimp by 30 seconds if using smaller or frozen varieties to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Swap spinach with k

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg