Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and indulgent, you’re gonna love this one—the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe. I absolutely adore how the garlicky, buttery sauce compliments the tender shrimp and perfectly al dente fettuccine. When I first tried this, it became my go-to comfort meal, especially when I want something that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips so your dinner turns out just right every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe come together beautifully, offering layers of flavor with simple pantry staples. Freshness is key—especially with your shrimp and lemons—for that punch of brightness.

• Fettuccine: I find it holds the sauce nicely, but any long pasta like linguine or spaghetti works too.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp work best—avoid pre-seasoned ones to control the flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that true aromatic garlicky kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds a salty, nutty depth.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice to keep control over the salt level.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and balance the richness.
• Cooking Oil: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil helps the garlic sauté without burning.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

Variations

I love personalizing this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge and how adventurous I’m feeling. Feel free to switch things up—you’ll find you can make it fit your taste and dietary needs easily.

• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and butter infuses a warm heat that my family totally adores.
• Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrients without changing the cooking time much.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the fettuccine for a gluten-free pasta, and the dish stays just as delicious.
• Different Seafood: Tried this with scallops or chunks of white fish—it works wonderfully, giving a new twist each time.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start with a large pot of boiling salted water for your fettuccine. Cooking it al dente—the texture just firm to the bite—helps it hold up well when tossed with the buttery shrimp sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; the little bit of starch left helps the sauce stick better.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant

Heat your cooking oil over medium heat in a large pan and add the minced garlic. Cook gently for about 2 minutes until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Don’t rush this part or crank the heat too high, or your garlic might burn and turn bitter — which I definitely learned the hard way!

Step 3: Cook Shrimp in Butter

To the same pan, melt the butter, then add the shrimp. Stir occasionally, and watch closely as they turn from translucent to opaque white with hints of pink—that usually takes about 4-6 minutes. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so trust your eyes more than a timer.

Step 4: Add Lemon, Parmesan, and Seasonings

Once your shrimp are cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese along with sea salt and black pepper. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a luscious coating for every bite. Give it a good stir to bring all those flavors together.

Step 5: Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Transfer the drained fettuccine directly into the shrimp pan and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with that garlicky butter sauce. This is when the magic really happens—and if you want, turn on low heat to warm everything evenly for a minute or two before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving— it adds a lovely herbal freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this pasta are a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus. Sometimes I add garlic bread to sop up any leftover sauce—because why waste a single drop?

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for a delightful bright finish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few shavings of Parmesan shined things up beautifully too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors deepen overnight, but I recommend reheating gently so the shrimp stay tender and the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because shrimp can become tough after thawing, but if you want to, freeze the shrimp and pasta separately to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy, stirring frequently until warmed through. Microwave works too but add a little liquid to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe has earned a special spot in my kitchen—it’s like a little celebration on a plate after a long day. It’s simple, yet feels indulgent with that rich butter and tangy lemon combo. I hope you’ll give it a go and make it your own; it’s the kind of meal that impresses without stress, and I promise your family or friends will go crazy for it just like mine do!

Print