Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s both quick and packed with flavor, you’re going to love what I have for you today. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is seriously my go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine, and finished with a splash of lemon and Parmesan—deliciously simple, yet so indulgent. Stick with me because I’m going to walk you through every step to make sure your version turns out just as fantastic as mine!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together. I like to stock up on fresh shrimp and real Parmesan for the best flavor. Here’s a quick tip: the garlic really shines when you cook it gently, so don’t rush that step.

• Fettuccine: Choose good-quality pasta—it holds the sauce wonderfully and offers the perfect chewy texture.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp make cooking faster; frozen works fine if thawed properly.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for that pungent, savory flavor—mince them finely for the best result.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a creamy richness that pre-grated can’t match.
• Butter: Real unsalted butter creates that luscious sauce everyone loves.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and balance the richness beautifully.
• Cooking Oil: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to lightly cook the garlic without overpowering it.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the delicate flavors.

Variations

I love how versatile this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is—you can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Swap the Pasta: I sometimes switch fettuccine for spaghetti or linguine, and it always works beautifully.
• Add Veggies: Adding spinach or cherry tomatoes adds color and nutrients—I toss them in near the end to keep them fresh.
• Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce gives it a nice kick that my family adores.
• Use Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve had great results with gluten-free alternatives, so no need to miss out if you’re avoiding gluten.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

First things first, boil a large pot of salted water. I always go a little heavier on the salt because it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add your fettuccine and cook it until al dente—that’s firm to the bite. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on it and taste test a strand to nail it. Drain the pasta well, then set it aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Build That Flavored Butter Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the cooking oil and gently sauté the minced garlic for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. This low and slow technique ensures the garlic turns golden and sweet, not bitter. Then, add the butter and let it melt into that fragrant garlic oil. This combo is the heart of the sauce—rich, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor.’

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Next, toss your shrimp into the pan with the garlic butter. Stir them occasionally, letting them cook for 4 to 6 minutes until they turn opaque white with some pink edges—that’s when you know they’re perfectly done. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so this timing is key.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon, Cheese, and Seasoning

Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in fresh lemon juice and zest—this adds an amazing brightness that cuts through the richness. Then sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken slightly and coat the shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in that garlicky buttery goodness. This step is where the flavors really come together, so take your time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

A little fresh parsley on top not only adds color but also a fresh herby note that complements the dish perfectly. Serve it immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this pasta with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. The parsley adds freshness and a nice color contrast that makes it look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss on some toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is, of course, a natural companion if you want to keep the garlic theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in pretty shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. Adding a lemon wedge on the side lets guests add an extra zesty kick if they want. It’s simple yet elegant and always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, sometimes that doesn’t happen!), store the pasta and shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it best eaten within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce fresh.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe because shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating. But if you do freeze it, wrap it tightly and consume within a month for the best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it can toughen the shrimp and dry out the pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that make me feel like I’m treating myself, even on a regular Tuesday. It’s got that perfect combo of comfort and elegance, yet it’s so simple to whip up. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. I’m telling you, make this for your next meal—you’ll impress yourself, and anyone you share it with, guaranteed!

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