![- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup unsalted butter The main ingredients set the stage for this dish. First, you need your pasta. Linguine or spaghetti works well. Both types hold the sauce nicely. Next, shrimp brings a sweet and savory taste. I prefer large shrimp for better texture. Garlic adds flavor and aroma. Fresh garlic makes a big difference! Lastly, unsalted butter gives richness and smoothness to the sauce. - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 lemon, juiced - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Optional ingredients can elevate this dish. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Red pepper flakes bring a hint of heat. Use as much as you like! A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. It balances the richness of the butter. Grated Parmesan cheese as a topping adds a salty touch. It’s a simple way to enhance flavor and presentation. - Salt and pepper - Reserved pasta water Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. They bring out the best flavors in all ingredients. Always taste as you go! Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It adds creaminess without extra fat. This simple trick makes your dish even better! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. First, get your water boiling in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This adds flavor to your pasta. Cook 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means firm to the bite. Before draining, save ½ cup of that pasta water. This water has starch that helps sauce stick. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell great but not brown. This step is key for rich flavor. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb of large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water and juice from 1 lemon. Toss everything gently to combine. Make sure the pasta gets a good coat of garlic butter. This is where the magic happens! Remove the skillet from the heat. Add ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. Toss the dish again to mix everything well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra yumminess. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get shrimp just right, aim for tenderness. Fresh shrimp cook quickly. They should turn pink and opaque. If they curl tightly, you overcooked them. This makes them rubbery and less enjoyable. Cooking shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side is ideal. Keep an eye on them as they cook. You can customize the taste of your dish. Start by adjusting seasonings. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if you like. Want more heat? Toss in extra red pepper flakes. You can also explore herbs. Fresh basil or oregano can make a big difference. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness too. Cooking pasta al dente creates the best texture. Follow the package instructions closely. Check the pasta a minute before it’s done. It should be firm but cooked through. Remember to save some pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce. Use it to adjust the sauce’s thickness. It’s a simple tip that makes a big impact. {{image_2}} When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you can switch up your pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. Gluten-free pasta is great for those with dietary needs. You can also try different shapes like penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Each shape holds the sauce differently, making your dish unique. If shrimp isn't your favorite, you can use chicken or tofu instead. Chicken gives a nice, hearty taste, while tofu is a great plant-based option. You can also try other seafood like scallops or crab for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose to ensure everything cooks perfectly. To add more depth, consider tossing in vegetables. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. For a creamier sauce, you can mix in heavy cream. This will make the dish richer and more filling. Experiment with seasonings, too, like fresh herbs or a splash of white wine for a new flavor layer. For the full details on creating this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To store your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you wait longer, the shrimp may lose texture and flavor. When reheating, the best method is the stove. Put the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it steam. Stir it often to keep the sauce from burning. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the flavor strong. You can freeze the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for later. Freeze it in a safe container, leaving space for expansion. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if needed. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in a tight container to keep it fresh. The shrimp and pasta can dry out if left open. Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then cool them. Store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently. Add a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce. Great side dishes for this pasta include garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. These options add color and texture to your meal. A light white wine also pairs well. Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good and hold their shape. To spice up your dish, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh diced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Start with small amounts to find your perfect heat level. This blog post gave you the key ingredients and steps to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. I included tips on cooking shrimp and perfecting pasta texture. You can mix in different proteins or veggies for your own twist. Remember to store any leftovers properly for later. Cooking should be fun, and this dish is simple yet delicious. I hope you try it soon and enjoy every bite!](https://cheftaling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0a8d9f6e-3270-4bd6-a20c-69ba2c3a4380-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Delight your taste buds with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner. Want to impress your family or friends?