🍤 Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed meal that combines tender, juicy shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. Fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice add brightness and depth, making this dish ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve guests.
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth or seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
👩🍳 Full Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Caesar or garden salad
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Chilled sparkling lemonade or iced tea
💡 Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor.
- Cook the shrimp just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and color.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently over low heat.
⏱️ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is buttery, garlicky, and bursting with fresh flavors, making it a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Every bite delivers tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce that’s impossible to resist. 🍤🍝✨