Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been craving something cozy yet impressive, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is absolutely what you need. I love this recipe because it’s quick, packed with flavor, and feels indulgent without a ton of fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with minimal effort, you’ll find this dish is a total winner – creamy, garlicky, buttery shrimp tossed with tender fettuccine pasta. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe plays an important role in delivering that rich, flavorful bite. Simple, fresh ingredients make this meal shine, and I always recommend grabbing good quality shrimp and fresh garlic for the best final taste.

• Fettuccine: I like fettuccine for its flat, broad strands that hold onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp work; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must — it gives that vibrant, punchy flavor that you want in a garlic butter sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a lovely nutty depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Real butter is key here; it creates that rich, silky base for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the whole dish with a zesty freshness.
• Lemon Zest: Don’t skip it! The zest adds aromatic citrus oils that elevate the flavor.
• Cooking Oil: I prefer a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt really bring out the flavors.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want to add some veggies or change up the protein, it’s flexible and forgiving.

• Vegetable Boost: I often toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes toward the end for extra color and nutrients – it adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Spicy Kick: Crushed red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce give it a lovely gentle heat if you like a little spice.
• Protein Swap: If you’re not a shrimp fan, thinly sliced chicken breast or scallops work wonderfully with this sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Parmesan is gluten-free to keep this dish celiac friendly.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine to Perfection

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water — think saltier than a regular pot of pasta water because it flavors the noodles inside out. Drop in your fettuccine and cook it until just al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes depending on the package. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; keeping that starchy coating helps the sauce cling better later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic Just Right

Now, heat your cooking oil over medium heat in a big skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned — burning garlic is a common mistake and can make the whole dish bitter, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp in Butter

Time for the star of the show! Add the butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Then add your shrimp, stirring frequently. You want them to turn opaque white with pink edges – this usually takes 4 to 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook because shrimp get rubbery quickly.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Once your shrimp are nearly done, it’s sauce time. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, the lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The cheese melts into the butter, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully. Stir until combined well and the sauce is silky and smooth.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp

Transfer your cooked fettuccine straight into the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that every noodle is covered in that gorgeous garlic butter goodness. This step seals the deal on flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

I love to finish this pasta with some fresh chopped parsley for a splash of color and a little freshness that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Your family and friends will thank you!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Besides chopped parsley, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan on top and add a twist of cracked black pepper to enliven each bite. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving gives a beautiful sheen and deeper flavor.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs perfectly to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve this pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers and microgreens. You can also plate the shrimp on top of a neat nest of pasta for a restaurant-worthy presentation that feels fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but I recommend reheating gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Freezing

Freezing garlic butter shrimp pasta can be tricky because shrimp texture changes, but if you must, freeze the shrimp sauce separate from the pasta. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain quality.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but keep it short, stirring halfway through to avoid rubbery shrimp and dried out noodles.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it feels special without needing a lot of time or fancy skills. It’s the kind of recipe that comforts you and impresses anyone you’re cooking for — trust me, my family always asks for seconds! I really hope you give it a try and make it your own too. Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!

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