If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet ready in under half an hour, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce and perfectly twirled with al dente spaghetti creates a harmony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. From the zesty hint of lemon to the fresh parsley that brightens every forkful, every ingredient plays its part in making this meal a memorable and comforting celebration of simple ingredients done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not only for ease but also to build layers of flavor, texture, and a wonderful balance of freshness and richness.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that holds the garlicky sauce perfectly and provides a hearty base for the shrimp.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and succulent, these are the stars of the dish, offering a mild sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided for cooking and sauce, butter adds a creamy richness that melds all the flavors beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers that unmistakable pungent aroma and deep flavor every bite needs.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a gentle kick and warmth, perfect for those who like a tiny spice lift.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: This adds acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and create a savory sauce.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: The bright citrus cuts through the richness for a refreshing balance.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs elevate the dish with color and a hint of herbal zest.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): Adds a savory, nutty finish if you like a cheesy touch.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your spaghetti until it’s just tender but still firm to the bite, or al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for loosening the sauce later and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a spacious skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking just until the garlic releases its incredible aroma but doesn’t brown. This ensures a fragrant, mellow base without any bitterness.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and appear opaque — a delightful sign that they’re perfectly tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the shrimp to a plate, ready to be reunited later with your pasta.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the surface. Let this simmer gently for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced, intensifying the sauce without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.
Step 5: Emulsify the Sauce with Butter
Now stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking until melted and the sauce has a smooth, glossy finish. This step adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly coats both shrimp and pasta.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the shrimp to the skillet and add your drained spaghetti. Toss everything together thoughtfully, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. This helps the sauce cling and creates that irresistible silky coating on every strand of pasta and bite of shrimp.
Step 7: Finish with Parsley and Season
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of green and fresh flavor, then taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe piping hot, optionally topped with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness and depth.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of color that makes the dish feel elevated and more inviting. For some extra indulgence, a light dusting of Parmesan cheese or even some toasted breadcrumbs can add texture and richness just before serving.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce beautifully. You might also consider serving with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli provide a fresh and nutritious balance as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating individual servings in shallow bowls, layering the shrimp and pasta neatly and drizzling extra sauce on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can add a sophisticated flair if you want to impress guests. Alternatively, serve family-style in a large platter topped with lemon wedges for a brighter, casual presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery, it’s best to enjoy leftovers soon after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp pasta can be tricky, as shrimp can toughen and the texture of the pasta can change. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to store the cooked pasta and shrimp separately, if possible, and use frozen shrimp within a month for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough and rubbery, but if necessary, use short bursts and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and to help them brown nicely in the pan.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken broth or a light vegetable broth works great as a substitute, offering a similar savory depth without the alcohol. Lemon juice also helps keep things bright and refreshing.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add the red pepper flakes, and then it’s just a gentle warmth rather than full-on heat. You can skip them entirely if you prefer a mild flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta varieties, you can enjoy this dish without gluten while still savoring all the delicious flavors.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Try tossing in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. These additions pair wonderfully with the garlic and shrimp sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Its balance of buttery richness, bright lemon, and garlicky goodness makes it a comforting classic you’ll want to return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it’s become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen!
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then combined with spaghetti and a buttery lemon-white wine sauce for a delightful and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Butter for Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return shrimp to skillet and add cooked spaghetti. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor; dried parsley can be substituted but use less.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
