There’s nothing more satisfying than a plate of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. With tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity.

I first tried this recipe during a weeknight dinner rush, and it’s since become one of my go-to meals. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes like a dish you’d order at a fancy restaurant. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family favorite, this pasta is guaranteed to impress.

Let’s get into why this dish is so special and how to make it at home.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the answer.

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Rich, But Not Overpowering: The garlic butter sauce is luxurious yet light, perfectly complementing the delicate shrimp and pasta.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding veggies, changing the protein, or adjusting the spice level.
Restaurant Quality: This pasta feels fancy but is so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for it at a restaurant.

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this recipe is using fresh, high-quality ingredients to let the simple flavors shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. If frozen, make sure they’re thawed completely. Leaving the tails on adds a nice touch for presentation, but you can remove them for easier eating.
Pasta: Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal for this recipe, but any pasta shape will work.
Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of unsalted butter and olive oil creates a rich base for the sauce while preventing the butter from burning.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for the bold, aromatic flavor. Don’t skimp!
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and complements the richness of the butter and shrimp.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch of these adds a subtle heat that balances the richness beautifully.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a sprinkle of grated Parmesan takes the dish to the next level.

You’ll also need salt, pepper, and a bit of reserved pasta water to help bind the sauce.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these easy steps to make it at home:

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and another drizzle of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce to coat. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan along with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and top with additional parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated with care:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked during reheating, so reheat gently.
Freezer: While the pasta and sauce freeze well, shrimp can lose its texture. If you plan to freeze, store the shrimp separately and add it back when reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Stir gently and heat until just warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some ideas:

Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or broccoli for a fresh and colorful twist.
Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Swap Proteins: Replace the shrimp with scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a different take.
Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone.

Rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Perfect for date night, family dinners, or any time you’re craving something truly delicious, this dish delivers every time. Try it tonight!