Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this dish delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-style meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)spaghetti or linguineolive oilunsalted buttergarlic (minced)crushed red pepper flakes (optional)lemon juice and zestparsley (chopped)salt and peppergrated Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

Stir in lemon juice and zest, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.

Include cherry tomatoes or spinach for added color and nutrition.

Use angel hair pasta for a lighter texture.

Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream before adding the pasta.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.Avoid microwaving too long as shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well with this dish.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use only olive oil and skip the Parmesan.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great choices.

Do I need to devein the shrimp?

Yes, for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use precooked shrimp?

You can, but add them at the end just to heat through to avoid overcooking.

What can I serve with Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and garlic ahead for quick assembly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet to accommodate everything.

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, elegant meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With its rich garlic-butter sauce and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.