Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

 

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple plate of pasta, especially when it’s combined with juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter, and fresh herbs. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a perfect example of how a few fresh ingredients can create an elegant and restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. The shrimp are lightly sautéed until tender and slightly golden, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a silky garlic butter sauce infused with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in under 30 minutes, yet it’s impressive enough to serve guests. The balance of flavors is amazing: the sweetness of the shrimp, the richness of butter, the aroma of garlic, and the freshness of herbs all come together beautifully. Every bite is light, flavorful, and satisfying.

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Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti or linguine
• 500 g (1 lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ¼ cup pasta cooking water
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook the shrimp
   Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the garlic butter sauce
   In the same pan, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).

4. Combine everything
   Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss well to coat. Return shrimp to the pan and mix gently.

5. Add finishing touches
   Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and chili flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve immediately
   Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook fast and stay juicy when tender.
• Add lemon zest for extra freshness.
• Use linguine for a more classic shrimp pasta texture.