Comforting Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Name: Comforting Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti; Salt for pasta water; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Comforting Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:58:12.989Z

This dish is not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace on a plate. The combination of garlic and butter creates a sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and shrimp, making every bite delicious.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich garlic butter flavor that elevates every bite
Juicy shrimp that pairs perfectly with pasta
Quick and easy to prepare for any weeknight dinner

      

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity and flavor are key. This Comforting Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe checks both boxes, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. After a busy day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you can whip up something that feels gourmet with minimal effort, making it a go-to for those hectic evenings.

The combination of linguine or spaghetti with succulent shrimp creates not just a satisfying meal but also a visually appealing dish. The vibrant colors of the shrimp and fresh parsley against the rich butter sauce make this pasta dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Your family and friends will be impressed by your culinary skills, and you’ll enjoy the extra time you have to relax.

A Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce

At the heart of this recipe is the garlic butter sauce, which is incredibly easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. The unsalted butter forms the base, allowing the rich taste of garlic to shine through. As the garlic gently cooks, it releases a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist. The addition of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, making this dish both comforting and exciting.

The sauce not only enhances the flavor of the shrimp but also clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring that every bite is infused with that rich garlic butter essence. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish, balancing the richness and providing a fresh finish. This sauce is versatile and can easily be adjusted to your taste, whether you prefer more garlic, a hint of spice, or even a splash of white wine for added depth.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Shrimp

Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve perfectly tender and juicy results every time. Start by selecting large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Make sure to peel and devein them before cooking, which not only enhances the presentation but also ensures a more enjoyable eating experience. When adding the shrimp to the skillet, give them enough space to cook evenly; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.

Pay attention to the color change as the shrimp cooks. They will turn from a grayish hue to a lovely pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture, so aim for a cooking time of about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once they’re done, remove them from the heat immediately to maintain their tenderness. Following these simple tips will elevate your shrimp cooking skills and enhance this pasta dish even further.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Salt for pasta water

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the lemon juice and parsley. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.

Serve

Plate the pasta and shrimp, garnishing with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Serving Suggestions

This Comforting Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta beautifully. For those who enjoy a little crunch, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or Parmesan cheese on top for added texture and flavor.

If you're looking to stretch the dish further, consider adding seasonal vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the pasta. This not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the dish's visual appeal, making it more enticing. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your pasta to suit your tastes.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its freshness, it’s best to store the pasta and shrimp separately if possible. When reheating, add a splash of water or additional lemon juice to the skillet to help revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

For optimal flavor and texture, it’s recommended to reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat. This method will help preserve the shrimp's tenderness, ensuring that your leftovers taste as delightful as the original meal. Avoid using the microwave, as it can lead to uneven heating and rubbery shrimp.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe! For a creamy twist, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the sauce, creating a rich Alfredo-style pasta. Alternatively, you could turn this dish into a seafood medley by incorporating scallops, crab, or even lobster for a touch of luxury.

If you're looking for a healthier option, switch out the pasta for zucchini noodles or whole-grain pasta. This will not only reduce the calorie count but also increase the nutritional value of the dish. With these variations, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of garlic butter shrimp pasta while keeping it fresh and exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Linguine or spaghetti are ideal, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.