Dinner

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Name: Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen); 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

ByLila Prescott June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

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Introduction

This Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish ready in just 15 minutes. It combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

This image shows a bowl of shrimp pasta with multiple layers. The bottom layer is a bed of yellow spaghetti noodles with a slightly glossy texture. On top, there is a layer of shrimp, cooked to a golden orange color with a light char on some edges. Scattered over the shrimp and noodles are thin slices of red chili peppers and finely chopped green herbs. There is also a light sprinkling of crispy-looking brown bits, likely fried garlic or onions, adding texture and color contrast. The dish is served in a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds without browning. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and fresh lemon juice. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water, about ¼ cup (60ml) to start, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Return the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Step 6: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

Use deveined shrimp with tails removed for an easier eating experience.
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the butter.
If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked during reheating, so warm it just until heated through.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a dish of golden-yellow noodles as the base layer, topped with several large, cooked shrimp that have an orange-pink color and slightly charred edges. The shrimp are spread evenly over the noodles. Scattered on top are finely chopped green herbs and small pieces of red chili, adding spots of fresh green and bright red. There are also small bits of browned garlic or onions mixed throughout the dish, giving it texture and color contrast. The food looks juicy and well-seasoned, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a good sear.

What pasta can I use instead of spaghetti or linguine?

Any long pasta like fettuccine or even short pasta such as penne or rigatoni can be used. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.