If there’s one dish that perfectly blends luxury and simplicity, it’s Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked pasta coated in a silky garlic butter sauce, crowned with juicy, golden shrimp that burst with flavor. This dish is elegant enough for a date night yet quick enough for a weeknight dinner—ready in under 30 minutes. Its rich aroma of sizzling garlic, the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, and the indulgence of butter create an irresistible harmony that keeps you coming back for more.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
To achieve the perfect shrimp pasta, every ingredient serves a purpose:
12 oz spaghetti (or linguine): The base of the dish, soaking up the garlicky butter sauce.
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, quick-cooking and naturally sweet. Opt for wild-caught shrimp if possible for better flavor.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that clings to both pasta and shrimp.
3 tbsp olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds a fruity depth to the sauce.
6 cloves garlic (minced): The bold, aromatic backbone of the dish. Fresh garlic is essential.
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness of butter.
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan, lifting the flavors of seared shrimp and garlic while adding brightness.
½ lemon (juiced): Cuts through the richness with fresh acidity.
¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, herby finish.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors.
Grated Parmesan (optional): Adds a nutty, savory layer if desired.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Deglaze: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), scraping the bottom of the pan to capture all the caramelized bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Combine pasta & shrimp: Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce. Add shrimp back in along with lemon juice and parsley. If pasta seems dry, stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until silky.
6. Serve immediately: Finish with extra parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and grated Parmesan if desired.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Buttery, garlicky, and perfectly balanced.
Versatile: Works with spaghetti, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for family dinner.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need a couple of minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Use fresh garlic, not jarred: It makes a huge difference in flavor.
Reserve pasta water: The starch in it helps emulsify the sauce for that restaurant-style silkiness.
Add a splash of cream (optional): For a richer, more indulgent variation.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this garlic butter shrimp pasta with:
A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up the sauce
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay
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Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is proof that a gourmet-quality meal doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of fresh ingredients and less than half an hour, you can serve up a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and truly irresistible. Whether you’re
looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
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