
One evening after a long workday, I needed dinner to feel special without taking much effort. I had shrimp in the freezer, a few cloves of garlic on the counter, and a box of pasta in the pantry – that’s all it took to create this garlic butter shrimp pasta that instantly became a weeknight favorite.
It’s everything I want in a comforting pasta dish: tender shrimp bathed in a garlicky butter sauce, silky strands of spaghetti, and a touch of heat and lemon to balance the richness. It feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a perfect go-to for date nights or quick indulgent dinners.
Ingredients
- Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
- Spaghetti – A classic choice that lets the buttery sauce coat every strand.
- Shrimp – Juicy and quick-cooking, they’re the star of the dish.
- Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic depth to the butter.
- Butter – The base of the rich, silky sauce.
- Olive oil – Keeps the butter from burning and adds smoothness.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Red pepper flakes – For a subtle kick of heat.
- Fresh parsley – Offers color and a touch of freshness at the end.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential to season both the shrimp and the pasta.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet – Perfect for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
- Large pot – For boiling pasta evenly and generously.
- Tongs – Helpful for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
- Knife and cutting board – For prepping garlic and herbs.
- Grater or citrus juicer – Optional, for fresh lemon juice and zest.

Instructions
Step 1:
I start by boiling spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then I drain it and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2:
While the pasta cooks, I heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then I add the garlic and sauté until fragrant – about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3:
I add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4:
Once the shrimp are done, I squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.
Step 5:
I add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 6:
I finish with chopped parsley and another little squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving immediately.
Tips
If I want a richer sauce, I sometimes add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. You can use any pasta you like – linguine and fettuccine work great. And for extra flavor, I marinate the shrimp in garlic and lemon before cooking.
Ways to Serve
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is lovely on its own, but I like to serve it with crusty bread or a simple arugula salad. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully. It’s also delicious the next day – just reheat it gently with a splash of water or butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this garlic butter shrimp pasta so flavorful?
This garlic butter shrimp pasta gets its bold flavor from sautéed garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes infused into a buttery olive oil sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking so they sear properly.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. I often toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra color and texture.
See You in the Kitchen
I hope you give this garlic butter shrimp pasta a try! It’s simple, indulgent, and full of bold flavors that make dinner feel special. Let me know how it turns out and if you added your own delicious twist!
Happy Cooking!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Looking for the best garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe? This one is quick, easy, and full of flavor perfect for simple healthy dinner ideas! Whether you’re cooking for guests or a weeknight craving, this buttery shrimp pasta is the best go-to meal!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and add reserved pasta water to the pan.
- Add spaghetti and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Finish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use thawed shrimp and pat them dry before cooking.
- Try linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti.
- Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for variety.
- Top with Parmesan or a splash of cream for richness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg