Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a Quick Dinner

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is not only easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will leave you craving more. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic butter enhances the shrimp and pasta.
• Versatile: Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the reserved pasta water and cooked spaghetti, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss again to combine, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp will work fine if thawed properly.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should only take a few minutes to turn pink.
• Adjust the garlic to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
• For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Easy Variations

• Swap out spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine for a different texture.
• Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or a fresh baguette for sopping up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
• A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Recipe Card