This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick yet indulgent meal that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Packed with high-quality protein from shrimp and good fats from butter, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Lightly flavored with garlic, lemon, and parsley, this fiber-rich pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or meal prep, offering a delicious balance of comfort and health.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 Large skillet or frying pan
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 citrus zester or grater
Ingredients
- 4 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1 –2 pinches red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp dry white wine Chardonnay recommended
- 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta Perfectly: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once boiling, carefully add 4 ounces of spaghetti and stir gently to prevent the strands from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture—tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside in a bowl while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
- Sear the Shrimp Until Perfectly Opaque: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely and coat the pan. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them sear rather than steam. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque pink and slightly golden around the edges. Avoid overcrowding; if needed, cook in batches for even cooking. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic for Maximum Flavor: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and, if desired, 1–2 pinches of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat kick. Stir continuously for 30–60 seconds, allowing the garlic to soften and release its aroma. Be careful not to let it brown or burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. This step builds the fragrant base for the sauce.
- Deglaze the Pan with Wine and Lemon: Pour in 2 tablespoons of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add ½ tablespoon of lemon zest and the juice from half a lemon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it reduce slightly for about 1–2 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and adds a bright, zesty touch that balances the richness of the butter.
- Incorporate Butter for a Silky Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, adding 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir continuously until the butter is fully emulsified into a silky, glossy sauce. This careful method ensures a smooth, rich texture that perfectly coats the shrimp and pasta without separating. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the Shrimp and Add Fresh Herbs: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece with the buttery, garlicky sauce. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and sauce. The parsley adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color, making the dish both flavorful and visually appealing.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce for Perfect Coating: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly using tongs. Ensure each strand is coated evenly with the luscious garlic butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles. This ensures a perfectly balanced, creamy texture without excess butter.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges and Final Touches: Transfer the pasta and shrimp to serving plates. Add lemon wedges on the side for an optional burst of citrus when serving. Optionally, sprinkle additional parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.The dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or a chilled glass of white wine.
Notes
- Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper searing and can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen shrimp is fine if fully thawed in cold water and patted dry.
- Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning. Add salt gradually to taste during cooking.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water; it’s perfect for loosening the sauce and helping it coat the noodles evenly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
Chef’s Secrets: Expert Cooking Insights
The secret to a perfect garlic butter shrimp pasta lies in timing and temperature.
Sear the shrimp quickly over medium heat to lock in juices, then remove them before making the sauce.
Cooking garlic gently in butter prevents bitterness and builds a fragrant base.
When incorporating the butter into the wine-lemon mixture, do it slowly to create a creamy, silky sauce.
Using freshly grated lemon zest and chopped parsley at the end brightens the dish and elevates its flavor, making it taste restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Pairing Ideas
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a complete dinner with a side of crusty garlic bread or a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
For a cozy date-night option, pair it with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
You can also plate the pasta alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a colorful, nutrient-rich meal.
For meal prep, divide portions into airtight containers and top with fresh parsley just before serving to maintain visual appeal.
Storage Tips: Keep Pasta Fresh Longer
Leftovers can be stored 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 additional butter to restore the creamy texture.
Avoid microwaving directly without adding moisture, as this can dry out the shrimp and pasta.
For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp and pasta separately.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat, adding a little liquid to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead?
Yes! Just thaw them fully in cold water and pat dry before cooking.
This ensures even cooking and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.
2. Is it possible to make this pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap traditional spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for al dente doneness carefully.
3. How can I make the sauce creamier?
Whisk in the remaining butter gradually and, if desired, a splash of cream or reserved pasta water.
This will create a luxurious, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the noodles.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but keep shrimp separate from pasta if storing.
Combine them only when ready to serve to prevent overcooking and maintain the fresh flavor and texture.
5. What wine works best for cooking?
Dry white wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc are ideal.
They add subtle acidity and enhance the garlic and lemon flavors without overpowering the dish.
