If you’re searching for a deliciously easy, restaurant-worthy dinner you can whip up in under 30 minutes, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Bursting with tender shrimp, golden garlic, and a silky, buttery sauce that hugs every strand of pasta, this dish perfectly balances bright herbs, gentle heat, and a touch of citrus. It’s one of those weeknight meals that looks and tastes fancy, but is incredibly approachable for any home cook—bring this to your table, and you’ll find everyone reaching for seconds.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta such a standout is how each ingredient, though simple, works together for unforgettable flavor and texture. Don’t skip or skimp—each one plays a starring role in the final dish, from the luscious shrimp to the bold splash of lemon and essential fresh parsley.

Pasta: Use your favorite variety—spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine—for the classic tangle that soaks up every drop of garlic butter.
Jumbo Shrimp: Peel them for extra juiciness and quick cooking! Raw shrimp lend the most flavor, but pre-cooked ones work in a pinch.
Pasta Cooking Water: This starchy water helps your sauce cling to the pasta for that magical, glossy finish.
Boiling Water: Needed to dissolve your chicken stock cube, giving your sauce a little savory body.
Chicken Stock Cube: Adds deep, umami undertones and gently seasons the sauce without overpowering it.
Butter: The heart of the sauce, lending rich, creamy goodness that makes every bite luxurious.
Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and provides its own fruity, peppery notes.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for the boldest punch—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Fine Table Salt: Draws out flavors and balances the sweetness of the shrimp and garlic.
Paprika Powder: Adds color and a gentle smokiness that deepens the dish’s complexity.
Red Chili Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in as much or as little as you’d like for gentle background heat.
Ground Black Pepper: Complements the other spices with bright, floral warmth.
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Lifts and brightens the rich butter sauce—use freshly squeezed for the best pop.
Chopped Parsley: The essential green garnish for fresh, herby flavor and a gorgeous color contrast.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of heavily salted water until it’s just shy of al dente. That last minute in the sauce will bring it perfectly tender. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water—trust me, it makes all the difference in binding the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Stock

Dissolve the chicken stock cube thoroughly in ½ cup of boiling water. This quick stock creates a savory backbone to the sauce, adding a depth that makes the flavors linger on your palate.

Step 3: Start the Garlic Butter Base

Melt the butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil keeps the butter from browning too quickly, giving you a supple, rich base for the sauce. As soon as the butter is melted, you’re ready for garlic magic.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from browning. You want the garlic to soften and mellow out, infusing the fat with all its aromatic glory. Lower the heat if it starts to color.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in your prepared chicken stock, then add salt, paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes; it should reduce a bit, turning glossy and fragrant. This is where the pasta’s flavor starts coming together—don’t rush it!

Step 6: Cook the Shrimp

Add your shrimp directly into the sizzling skillet. If using raw shrimp, cook for 1–2 minutes until both sides turn rosy pink and just opaque. Pre-cooked shrimp need just a minute per side to warm through. Overcooking leads to tough shrimp, so keep your eye on them!

Step 7: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

With the heat off, stir in lemon juice and parsley. The bright hit of lemon wakes up the whole dish, while fresh parsley adds a crisp, clean finish that balances the richness of the butter sauce.

Step 8: Toss in Pasta and Water

Now it all comes together! Add your drained pasta and that reserved cooking water, then toss everything together in the skillet. Let it all simmer for one more minute, soaking up the sauce. Serve immediately—and get ready to be wowed.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a must, but you can also add a dusting of grated Parmesan, extra lemon zest, or a pinch more chili flakes for a burst of color and flavor. These little touches finish the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with visual appeal and extra layers of taste.

Side Dishes

This pasta is so lush and flavorsome that light, crisp sides work best. Try a peppery arugula salad, roasted asparagus, or a basket of crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce. A simple green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, saucy noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta into an elegant main course for a dinner party by twirling individual nests of pasta onto plates, top with a few plump shrimp, and drizzle over extra sauce. For a casual family dinner, bring the whole skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves—communal style adds a festive, inviting touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making lunch the next day just as satisfying as dinner!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, though the texture of the shrimp and pasta may soften a bit. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and for best quality, enjoy within a month.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta and shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, and stir gently over medium-low heat until warmed through. This helps revive the sauce and keeps everything from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classics for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, any shape will work—just adjust the cook time if needed. Short shapes like penne grab onto the sauce for a different, equally delicious experience.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Just add more red chili pepper flakes while building the sauce, or sprinkle some on top before serving. You can even toss in a chopped fresh chili if you love extra heat!

Is there a dairy-free option?

Definitely! You can substitute the butter with a rich vegan butter or an extra splash of olive oil. The sauce will be a little lighter, but you’ll still get the garlicky and herby flavors that define this dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they sear instead of steaming. Frozen shrimp are a handy way to keep this recipe pantry-friendly for any night of the week.

What if I don’t have a chicken stock cube?

You can use a scoop of vegetable stock powder or swap in ½ cup of good-quality broth. Season to taste, and you’ll find your sauce just as flavorful and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again—simple, spectacular, and just a little indulgent. No matter your level of kitchen experience, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Give it a try and let this dish make your next dinner absolutely unforgettable!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Diabetic

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a flavorful and comforting dish with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta – a delightful meal that comes together quickly.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving some cooking water.
Dissolve chicken stock: Dissolve stock cube in boiling water.
Prepare the sauce: Melt butter and oil, sauté garlic, then add stock, salt, paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp, cook until pink.
Finish the dish: Mix in lemon juice and parsley. Toss in pasta and cooking water, simmer briefly before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes.
For a burst of freshness, consider adding a touch of lemon zest before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 158mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, Shrimp Pasta Recipe, Garlic Shrimp Pasta