INGREDIENTS You Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. This ingredient list is all about those bold flavors that work together like magic. You can easily grab these goodies during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: I prefer using large shrimp for that perfect bite.
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine): Use your favorite type of pasta for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
- 1/2 cup butter: This is the base of our rich and flavorful sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Because you can never have too much garlic!
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Adds a layer of sophistication to the sauce, but chicken broth works too!
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: For that pop of freshness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta gets its cheesy flavor from this!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat. I love adding extra to my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for that extra kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
No worries if you don’t have white wine. I use chicken broth all the time in my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Storage tip: Keep your parsley fresh by storing it in the fridge in a glass of water.
Here’s my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta secret that takes it from good to incredible: a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up! You can grab this during your normal shopping trip. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta gets its amazing taste from high-quality ingredients and a little bit of love!

Let’s Make Some!
Ready to dive into making this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? Let’s get started!
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This will help create a luscious sauce for our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. This is where the magic starts happening! Be careful not to burn the garlic, or your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta will taste bitter.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. In my kitchen, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta usually takes around 6-8 minutes to cook the shrimp perfectly. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. This is my favorite part of making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – watch the magic happen!
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, along with the parsley and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce. Don’t worry if your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta looks a little saucy; it will thicken as it sits.
- Season and serve: Season the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. While your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta should smell absolutely incredible right now. That’s how you know it’s going to taste amazing. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy Seafood Pasta Recipe on your table in no time! This Easy Shrimp Pasta is a guaranteed hit!
How to Serve Up This!
Now that you’ve made this incredible Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, let’s talk about how to serve it up! People literally do happy dances when this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta hits the table with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese.
I love to enjoy this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta. For a bold flavor pairing, try serving it with roasted garlic bread.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also great for casual get-togethers, potlucks, or even a romantic dinner for two. This Garlic Shrimp Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
For a creative leftover transformation, try turning the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta into a baked pasta dish. Simply mix the leftovers with some ricotta cheese and marinara sauce, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. For a fusion variation, try adding a splash of soy sauce and some chopped scallions for an Asian-inspired twist. The possibilities are endless!
When I serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, I always get rave reviews. Friends and family love the rich, garlicky flavor and the perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress! Serve it in a beautiful bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to wow your guests!
Want to try another pasta dish? My One Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is another great choice!
FAQs:
Got some questions about making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? I’ve got answers!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. If you can boil water and sauté garlic, you’re golden. Plus, the results are so rewarding!
What if I mess up my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! Even if you overcook the shrimp a little or add too much garlic, it’ll still be delicious. The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is that it’s very forgiving.
How can I prep this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for busy weeknights?
You can prep a lot of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, and store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can also peel and devein the shrimp in advance.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
I prefer spaghetti or linguine, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta would all work well. The choice is yours! This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is perfect with any pasta shape.
Can I add vegetables to this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies to this dish. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the white wine. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time if needed. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits. You may need to add a little extra pasta water when reheating to loosen it up. You can always refer to the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – Cafe Delites for alternate tips and ideas.
I tested this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe countless times to make sure it’s perfect. My family gives it a huge thumbs up every time! One reader asked if they could add mushrooms. I tried it, and it was amazing! Don’t be afraid to experiment!
CONCLUSION:
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta brings me so much joy because it’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly special.
My Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Flavor Secrets:
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the star of the show.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates the flavor.
- Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s the secret to a creamy, emulsified sauce.
I’ve tested so many delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta variations. My Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a kick of chili oil, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with roasted vegetables for added nutrients, and a creamy version with a splash of heavy cream for extra indulgence are all amazing. Weeknights are for a Garlic Shrimp Recipe.
The spicy version is perfect for a cozy night in, while the roasted vegetable version is great for a healthy and satisfying meal. Save the creamy version for special occasions. Trust your taste buds and get creative! Remember, the most important ingredient is love.
I’m so excited for you to try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and delicious dish. Another recipe I know you will love is my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta! If you are looking for a dish with gnocchi check out my Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- If using, deglaze the pan with white wine and let it reduce slightly, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine. Add more pasta water if needed to create a sauce.
- Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce before serving. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

