When you need a dinner that’s both delicious and fast, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a winner. Tender shrimp, a buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute guests. With a touch of lemon and fresh parsley, this dish feels like a restaurant treat but is simple enough for any home cook. It’s one of those Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends.
In this post, we’ll walk you through making this savory pasta, share tips for a smooth sauce, and suggest ways to enjoy this crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic nights.
- Rich and Flavorful: Garlic and butter create a sauce that’s pure comfort.
- Easy Elegance: Looks gourmet but uses everyday ingredients.
- Versatile: Add your favorite veggies or tweak the spice level.
- Great for Any Occasion: From weeknight meals to casual gatherings.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta relies on pantry staples for a delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works too.
- Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed for the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh for bold flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional): For a hint of heat.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (¼ cup): Enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Lemon Juice (from ½ lemon): Brings a bright, fresh note.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds color and freshness.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, optional): For a cheesy finish.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (for reserving pasta water)
Preparation Guide
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is simple to prepare, resulting in a flavorful dish that’s ready in no time. Follow these steps for success.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, per package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate and keep the skillet on the heat.
Make the Sauce
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted, creating a silky sauce.
Combine and Toss
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat in the sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Divide the pasta among plates and serve hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired, for a perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta meal.
Tips and Variations
Chef’s Tips Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Keep Garlic Fragrant: Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness in your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Pat dry for the best texture and flavor.
- Save Pasta Water: It’s essential for a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust lemon or salt for a well-rounded dish.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will finish cooking in the sauce, staying perfectly tender.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Creamy Option: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
- Spice It Up: Boost red pepper flakes or add cayenne for more heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip Parmesan.
- Protein Swap: Try scallops or diced chicken for a twist on Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipes.
Serving and Storing
Serving Suggestions Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your Garlic Shrimp Pasta with these pairing ideas:
- With Sides: Serve with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a simple arugula salad.
- With Bread: Offer crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce.
- For Guests: Pair with a chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon for an elegant dinner.
- With Freshness: Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge for a bright touch.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a light white wine or a citrusy iced tea to match the dish’s flavors.
Storing and Make-Ahead for the Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Store: Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals if needed, but the stovetop keeps better texture.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Cook shrimp and pasta fresh for optimal taste.
- Serving Tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of parsley or lemon juice after reheating to brighten the flavors.
FAQs
Common Questions About Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or in cold water for 30 minutes. Pat dry before cooking for the best results.
What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth works perfectly, adding depth without alcohol.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and the dish stays just as delicious.
How can I add more spice?
Increase red pepper flakes or sprinkle in crushed chili flakes for extra heat.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Make the garlic butter sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Cook shrimp and pasta fresh for the best texture.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve a silky consistency.
Can I skip the parsley?
Yes, but parsley adds freshness. Try basil or cilantro as substitutes.
More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and vibrant touches of lemon and parsley, it’s a dish that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipes are sure to delight. Give it a try and share your favorite variations in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
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Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return shrimp to skillet and add cooked spaghetti. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add cherry tomatoes or spinach.
- Use cream instead of white wine for a richer sauce.
- Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne for more heat.
- For dairy-free, substitute butter and Parmesan with olive oil.
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for different proteins.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in skillet with splash of water or broth to keep sauce moist.
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