Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ever thought about making a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is quick, ready in 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast yet fancy meal. Imagine shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce over tender fettuccine noodles. It’s so good, it’s called shrimp scampi.
It’s great for a fancy dinner at home. This easy garlic butter shrimp pasta is quick to make. You only need simple ingredients like fresh shrimp and real butter for the best taste.
Key Takeaways
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 5 people
- Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, fettuccine, Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice, and zest
- Calories per serving: Approximately 448 kcal
- User Rating: 4.95 out of 5
Introduction to Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This dish is loved for its simple yet rich flavors. It combines butter’s smoothness with garlic’s unique taste, making a sauce that brings out shrimp’s sweetness. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick yet fancy meal.

What Makes This Recipe Special?
The dish’s magic comes from its perfect mix of flavors and textures. The quick-cooking shrimp soak up the garlic butter, while the pasta adds a satisfying base. Adding heavy cream or chicken broth makes the sauce creamy, enhancing the taste. A sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon take it to the next level.
Benefits of Cooking with Shrimp
Shrimp is not just tasty but also good for you. It’s low in calories and high in protein, making it a smart choice for diet-conscious eaters. It’s also rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorous, boosting overall health. So, garlic butter shrimp pasta is both delicious and healthy.
Why Garlic Butter?
Garlic butter is the heart of this dish, offering a rich base for the shrimp and pasta. The mix of garlic and butter creates a complex yet simple flavor. Each bite is filled with flavor, thanks to garlic’s strong aroma and butter’s creaminess.
This classic combination not only highlights shrimp’s taste but also elevates the meal. You can add red pepper flakes for spice or Parmesan cheese for extra richness. This pairing makes every bite special.
Ingredients Needed for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
To make the best garlic butter shrimp pasta, you need fresh, quality ingredients. This ensures your dish is both tasty and healthy.
Main Ingredients

Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Pasta | 12 ounces | Recommended for 4 servings |
Shrimp | 1 pound | Medium, peeled and deveined |
Butter | 3 tablespoons | Essential for a rich sauce |
Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | For additional flavor |
Garlic | 5 large cloves | Minced |
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon | Adjustable for spice level |
Fresh Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | To add a citrus kick |
Fresh Parsley | 1/4 cup | Chopped, for garnishing |
Parmesan Cheese | 1 ounce | Freshly grated, optional |
Optional Ingredients
Want to add more flavor to your garlic butter shrimp pasta? Try these optional ingredients:
- Crushed Red Chili Pepper: For those who love a little extra heat.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh herbal note.
- Lemon Zest: For a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Baby Spinach: Increases the dish’s nutritional value.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
Choosing these ingredients will help you make the best garlic butter shrimp pasta. Whether you stick to the basics or add some extras, your dish will be a hit.
Preparing the Shrimp
Getting the shrimp ready is key for a tasty quick garlic butter shrimp pasta or creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta. Start by picking the right shrimp. Then, clean them well and marinate to add more flavor.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Choose jumbo or extra-large shrimp, known as 16-20 count per pound. These sizes have a meaty texture that cooks well.
Cleaning and Deveining Shrimp
First, remove the shells and devein the shrimp. You can keep the tails on for a nice look. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back. Then, remove the vein.
Marinating Shrimp
Marinate the shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This way, your shrimp will taste great in your quick garlic butter shrimp pasta or creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta.
Cooking the Pasta
Choosing the right pasta is key for garlic shrimp pasta with butter sauce. Long strands like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well. Linguine is a top pick because it holds the sauce well, mixing flavors in every bite.
Selecting the Right Pasta
For a tasty garlic butter shrimp pasta, linguine or long pasta is best. But, you can also use shorter pasta like penne or fusilli. These shapes have a strong texture that goes well with shrimp and asparagus.
Cooking Pasta to Perfect Al Dente
Cooking pasta to al dente is essential for the right texture. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use 12 oz of pasta for this recipe. Add the pasta and cook for about 11 minutes, until it’s al dente.
“Combine your shrimp and garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked al dente pasta for a mouthwatering dish that delights every taste bud.”
After cooking, drain the pasta well but keep some pasta water aside. This water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Cooking the pasta just right is crucial for a delicious garlic shrimp pasta with butter sauce.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Creating the perfect garlic butter sauce is key to the best garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe. The sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It makes the cream garlic butter shrimp pasta a favorite among many.
Ingredients for the Sauce
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (2 oz)
- Minced garlic: 4 teaspoons (approximately 4-5 garlic cloves)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 1/3 cup, from 2 lemons
- Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Cracked red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon
How to Melt and Infuse Butter
To make the garlic butter sauce perfect for the cream garlic butter shrimp pasta, follow these steps:
- Heat a large skillet over low to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can taste bitter.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and all ingredients are mixed well.
The result should be a garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the best garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe. This sauce, when paired with perfectly cooked shrimp and pasta, promises a memorable dining experience.
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per serving |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 minutes | 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 | 538 kcal |
Amount of Pasta | Amount of Shrimp | Butter Used | Garlic | Cooking Time for Garlic |
12 ounces | 12 ounces, shelled and deveined | 8 tablespoons | 4-5 cloves (minced) | 2 to 3 minutes |
Combining Pasta and Shrimp
Getting the right mix of pasta and shrimp is key. It’s where the dish comes alive. This is the heart of the best garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe.
Mixing Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
Start by cooking 8 ounces of linguine until it’s just right. Then, toss it in a skillet with the garlic butter sauce. This makes sure the pasta absorbs all the flavors.
The sauce is made with 4 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Adding 2 tablespoons of white wine gives it a tangy twist.
Adding the Cooked Shrimp
Next, add 1 pound of cooked jumbo shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 1 minute on each side until they’re pink and opaque.
Fold the shrimp into the pasta and sauce. This step makes sure everything is well mixed. It’s what makes the dish so delicious.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 429 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Protein | 32 g |
Total Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 7 g |
Cholesterol | 315 mg |
Sodium | 532 mg |
Potassium | 503 mg |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 2 g |
Enhancing Flavor with Herbs
Adding the right herbs can make your homemade garlic butter shrimp pasta shine. These ingredients can boost the flavor and turn your dish into a feast for the senses.
Choosing Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
Choosing between fresh and dried herbs can change your dish a lot. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of color and freshness. They contrast beautifully with the rich garlic butter sauce.
Dried herbs are convenient but fresh herbs are better for flavor and looks. Fresh herbs give your dish a more vibrant taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, and chives
- Dried Herbs: Oregano, thyme, and rosemary
How to Incorporate Herbs into the Dish
Adding herbs to your garlic butter shrimp pasta is easy. Chop fresh herbs finely and add them at the end to keep their flavor. Use dried herbs sparingly because their flavor is strong.
- Finely chop fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
- Add fresh herbs in the final 2-3 minutes of cooking to maintain their vibrant flavor.
- Sprinkle a pinch of dried herbs at the beginning of cooking for a subtle, consistent aroma.
Using a mix of fresh and dried herbs can create a rich flavor profile. A teaspoon of dried herbs with a handful of fresh herbs can add depth to your dish.
Herb | Fresh/Dried | Recommended Amount |
---|---|---|
Parsley | Fresh | 2 tsp |
Oregano | Dried | 1 tsp |
Basil | Fresh | 2 tsp |
Thyme | Dried | 0.5 tsp |
The right herbs can make your dish taste and look amazing. Whether you’re making a quick or detailed garlic butter shrimp pasta, herbs are key to a great meal.
Serving Suggestions
To make your garlic butter shrimp pasta even better, try some great side dishes and wine pairings. They not only match the dish’s rich flavors but also balance the meal.
Recommended Sides
A fresh arugula salad is a top choice for sides. Just mix arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta. Also, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
Perfect Wine Pairings
For wine with shrimp pasta, a crisp white is ideal. Choose a pinot grigio or Chardonnay to bring out the garlic and shrimp flavors. These wines are light and clean, matching the dish’s richness well.
Storing Leftovers
Enjoying a meal of garlic butter shrimp pasta leaves you with leftovers. It’s key to store and reheat your pasta right to keep its taste and texture.
Best Practices for Storage
For fresh leftovers, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Here’s a useful guide:
Storage Method | Duration |
---|---|
Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Reheating Tips
Reheating shrimp pasta gently is best. The stovetop is your go-to. Just put the pasta in a pan over low heat and add water if the sauce is too thick. Stir often to keep the pasta creamy and flavorful.
These methods help keep the dish tasty and the shrimp tender:
- Place pasta in a pan over low heat.
- Add a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
- Stir gently to combine and heat evenly.
- Serve once steaming hot.
By storing and reheating your garlic butter shrimp pasta correctly, you can enjoy it like it’s new. Bon appétit!
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional value of shrimp pasta helps you plan meals better. Our healthy shrimp pasta recipe is tasty and full of important nutrients.
Breakdown of Calories
This shrimp pasta recipe makes six servings. Each serving has:
- Calories per serving: 596 kcal
- Carbohydrates per serving: 41 g
- Protein per serving: 24 g
- Total fat per serving: 37 g
- Saturated fat per serving: 21 g
- Cholesterol per serving: 287 mg
- Sodium per serving: 934 mg
- Potassium per serving: 238 mg
- Fiber per serving: 2 g
- Sugar per serving: 2 g
Key Nutrients in the Dish
Our healthy shrimp pasta recipe is not only tasty but also full of nutrients:
- Vitamin A per serving: 1276 IU
- Vitamin C per serving: 6 mg
- Calcium per serving: 228 mg
- Iron per serving: 2 mg
- Shrimp: A great source of high-quality protein and essential minerals like iodine.
- Olive Oil and Butter: Provide healthy fats.
- Garlic: Rich in antioxidants.
Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe
Mastering garlic butter shrimp pasta requires a few key tips. These details can make your dish delicious and balanced every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose flavor. Cook them until they’re pink and slightly opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Also, don’t add too much salt at first. The pasta and shrimp absorb flavors fast. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
Variations to Try
Try adding fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to your garlic butter shrimp pasta. These ingredients add new flavors to the classic dish.
Experiment with different pasta types, like angel hair. It cooks quickly and has a unique texture compared to linguine or fettuccine.
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Calories per Serving | Carbohydrates per Serving | Protein per Serving |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 375 kcal | 87 g | 45 g |
Fat per Serving | Saturated Fat per Serving | Cholesterol per Serving | Sodium per Serving | Potassium per Serving | |
8 g | 3 g | 139 mg | 145 mg | 18 mg |
Conclusion and Enjoyment
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a true culinary delight. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights. You can also make it your own by changing ingredients and techniques.
Making This Recipe Your Own
This dish is all about being flexible. Try different pasta types to fit your diet. Add fresh spinach or broccoli for extra flavor. You can also adjust garlic and Parmesan to your taste.
The cooking time is forgiving. This means you can experiment without worrying about mistakes.
Final Thoughts on Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s great for impressing family and friends. Pair it with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match.
It’s also nutritious, with 616 kcal, 37 grams of protein, and 53 grams of carbs per serving. With these tips, you can make a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Every meal will be special.
FAQ
What makes the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe special?
This recipe is quick to make, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast yet impressive meal. The dish combines shrimp with a creamy garlic butter sauce and tender fettuccine noodles. It’s a classic shrimp scampi dish that’s easy to make with simple, quality ingredients.
What are the benefits of cooking with shrimp?
Shrimp are low in calories but packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of protein and minerals like iodine. This makes the dish hearty yet healthy.
Why use garlic butter in this recipe?
Garlic butter enhances the shrimp’s flavor, making a rich and creamy sauce. Garlic adds antioxidants, and high-quality butter adds depth of flavor. Together, they complement the shrimp’s sweetness perfectly.
What are the main ingredients needed for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
You’ll need fettuccine pasta, fresh or frozen shrimp, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice and zest. High-quality butter is key for enhancing taste and creaminess.
What optional ingredients can be added for extra flavor?
You can add crushed red chili pepper and fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor. These ingredients can make the dish your own, adding a personal touch.
How do I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?
Choose jumbo or extra-large shrimp, about 16-20 count per pound, for their meaty texture. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, depending on what’s available.
How should I clean and devein shrimp?
Remove the shells and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation. Cleaning them well ensures the best taste and texture.
Should I marinate the shrimp before cooking?
Marinating the shrimp in a mix of oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings can enhance their flavor. It’s recommended for a richer taste.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Long pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine is best for holding onto the sauce. Short pasta like penne can also work well.
How do I cook pasta to achieve al dente texture?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente, about 11 minutes. This ensures it has a slight chew, which goes well with the tender shrimp.
What ingredients are crucial for the garlic butter sauce?
Garlic and high-quality butter are key to the sauce. You can also add dry white wine or chicken stock for more flavor.
What is the best method to melt and infuse butter for the sauce?
Melt butter over low heat, then add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant but not burnt. This ensures a rich garlic flavor.
How do I combine pasta with garlic butter sauce?
Toss the pasta in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. This helps the noodles absorb the flavors fully.
When do I add the cooked shrimp to the pasta?
Add the cooked shrimp to the pasta after combining with the sauce. This ensures they’re evenly coated with sauce.
Which herbs are best for enhancing this dish?
Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for their flavor and look. Chop them finely and add them towards the end to preserve their taste.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
A light arugula salad and crusty bread are great sides. They balance the pasta’s richness and soak up the sauce.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs well. It complements the garlic and enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water if the sauce is too thick.
What nutritional benefits does Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta offer?
This dish is low in calories but high in nutrients. Shrimp are a great source of protein and minerals, and garlic has antioxidants. The dish is satisfying and nutritious thanks to olive oil and butter.
What are common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe?
Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture. Also, make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as it can make the sauce bitter.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. You can also use different pasta like angel hair for quicker cooking and a different feel.