There’s something special about dishes that are simple yet full of flavor. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is one such dish. It’s comforting, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes.
This recipe combines tender shrimp, rich butter, aromatic garlic, and al dente pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish will impress everyone. They’ll all want seconds. Let me show you how to make it perfectly every time.
Table of Contents
Benefits
This dish is both nutritious and indulgent. The shrimp offers lean protein, while the butter and cream add healthy fats. The pasta provides energy without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty but quick.
Extra Information
Nutritional Facts
Per Serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
Try this creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, save about 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Drying the shrimp helps them sear better.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits. Let the liquid reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for a touch of brightness.
Useful Tips
- Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip drying the shrimp; it makes all the difference in texture.
- If you don’t have white wine, substitute with chicken broth or vegetable stock.
Additional Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Portions: Serves 4
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner-friendly! With just a few steps, anyone can master this dish.
Special Care
When making this recipe, I focus on a few key things. First, I make sure not to overcook the shrimp. They can get tough if cooked too long. Patting them dry before cooking helps them sear well.
Second, I watch the garlic closely. It burns quickly and can ruin the dish. Taking these small steps helps me get restaurant-quality results at home.
My Personal Touch
I like to add fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving. It adds a bright flavor that goes well with the butter and cream. Sometimes, I add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. These small changes let me customize the dish to my liking.
Recipe Variations
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is very versatile. You can change it up to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations I’ve tried:
- Vegetarian Option: I sometimes use mushrooms instead of shrimp. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the garlic butter until they’re golden. They soak up the flavors well and add an earthy taste.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce adds heat. For a bolder flavor, use spicy Italian sausage crumbles with the shrimp. It’s rich and satisfying!
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Swapping half the white wine for fresh lime juice gives the dish a citrusy zing. It’s refreshing during summer months.
- Pesto Infusion: Stirring in homemade basil pesto adds vibrant color and a herby flavor to the sauce. It’s a great twist!
Trying out these variations keeps the recipe exciting. It lets me serve different flavors to different people.
Side Dishes
When serving Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, I think about balance. Here are some side dishes that go well with it:
- Crisp Green Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a great contrast. It adds more veggies to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up sauce. I toast baguette slices, brush them with garlic-infused olive oil, and sprinkle Parmesan before broiling.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper is a hearty option. The caramelized edges are sweet and pair well with the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze is a perfect side. It’s simple yet delicious.
Choosing sides depends on whether I want something light or filling. Each option enhances the meal.
Presentation Tips
Food should look as good as it tastes, so presentation is important to me. Here are some tips to make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta look great:
- I like to serve this pasta in shallow bowls or deep plates. It makes the dish look cozy and inviting.
- Fresh parsley adds green pops, and extra Parmesan cheese adds texture and shine. For a fancy touch, I shave Parmesan ribbons with a vegetable peeler.
- Lemon wedges on the side let guests add fresh juice. They also add color to the plate.
- I arrange cooked shrimp in a circle around the bowl’s edge or scatter them on top. This makes the shrimp the main attraction and adds a polished look.
- Don’t be shy with the sauce! A good drizzle ensures every bite is creamy and garlicky.
- Natural light is key for photos or serving. Place the plate near a window or under soft lighting to show off the dish’s golden tones.
By focusing on these details, I make a delicious dish even more memorable. Sharing beautiful meals is a big part of cooking, and presentation sets the mood.
Here’s my original closing sentence:
“With its golden hues and fragrant aroma, this dish reminds us that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding.”
