Imagine twirling tender strands of spaghetti coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, accented by perfectly cooked shrimp bursting with flavor. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta brings together the best of buttery richness and fresh aromatics for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, this pasta lets the shrimp shine while the garlic butter ties everything together beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a bright splash of lemon juice add refreshing layers to every bite.
- Quick and simple, ready in under 30 minutes for effortless mealtime solutions.
- Rich garlic butter enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp for a flavorful experience.
- Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the dish, creating balanced flavors.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Long, thin pasta strands that soak up the garlic butter sauce, creating the perfect texture and bite.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh, succulent shrimp that form the delicious protein centerpiece of this dish.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Mellow and creamy butter foundation that infuses the pasta and shrimp with rich flavor.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Aromatic minced garlic that releases a fragrant and savory depth to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright green herbs that add freshness and a touch of herbal zest to balance butter.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Zesty citrus that lifts and brightens the entire dish with a pleasant tang.
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Al Dente
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta is tender yet has a slight bite for a perfect texture that won’t get mushy.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter
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Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it, as this develops a rich aromatic base for the sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp
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Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the garlic butter and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps shrimp tender and allows them to absorb the buttery garlic flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Shrimp and Herbs
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Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a vibrant herbal note.
- Add Lemon Juice and Serve
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Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the pasta and gently toss again to balance the richness with bright acidity. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, fresh flavors at their best.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp work if properly thawed.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- For added richness, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp or drying out the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the buttery garlic shrimp flavors.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick before tossing.
- Gently pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a better sear and avoid steaming.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta?
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Yes, fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce and shrimp.
- Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
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Peeling and deveining improve texture and presentation but you can cook shrimp with shells on for more flavor.
- How can I make this dish spicy?
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Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during garlic sautéing to add heat.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
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It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and cook shrimp last minute.
- What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
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Fresh basil or cilantro can be used for a different but delicious herbaceous note.
- How should I store leftovers?
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Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 pot for cooking pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with shrimp, garlic butter, and parsley in the skillet.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta mixture and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days.
