SEAFOOD PASTA

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Juicy seared shrimp and tender pasta in a silky butter, garlic, lemon, and parmesan sauce with a bright, savory finish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful shrimp pasta made with juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, lemon, parmesan, and tender pasta. Finishing the pasta with its sauce helps every piece stay coated without turning soft.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Pasta

  • 300g spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For Serving

  • Extra parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

Prepare the pasta for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry, then season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat, add butter and garlic to the pan, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the garlic butter sauce for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the pasta, shrimp, lemon juice, parmesan, parsley, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta.

Combine everything for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with extra parmesan, lemon wedges, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Finished Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Cool Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta promptly and refrigerate it in a shallow airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Save extra sauce separately because pasta absorbs moisture as it rests.

How to Reheat

Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in a covered skillet or short microwave intervals, adding liquid one spoonful at a time until the sauce loosens.

What to Serve With It

  • Garlic bread or warm rolls
  • A crisp green salad
  • Roasted broccoli or asparagus
  • Lemon wedges or grated parmesan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cooking pasta past al dente.
  • Adding all reserved water at once.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 520
Protein 34g
Carbohydrates 58g
Fat 18g
Sugar 3g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the shrimp in Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta tender?

Cook only until opaque and loosely curled, then remove it from strong heat.

Can Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta be prepared ahead?

For Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, the sauce and chopped ingredients can be prepared early. Cook the pasta near serving time, or stop it slightly firm and reserve a little cooking liquid for reheating.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

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