Hey y'all! If you're craving something quick, flavorful, and sure to impress, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is just what you need. Tender shrimp tossed with al dente pasta, all coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce—it's the perfect meal for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or even a dinner party. Bursting with bright flavors and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Fast and easy—ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Packed with bold, savory garlic flavor and succulent shrimp.
- Perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon butter and all the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon zest, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta, cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky, glossy sauce. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Plate up your Garlic Shrimp Pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Notes
- For the juiciest shrimp, don’t overcook them—remove from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Quality ingredients make a difference! Use wild-caught shrimp and fresh garlic if possible. Learn how to buy the best shrimp.
- If you don’t have wine, low-sodium chicken broth works great as a substitute.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Variations
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach: Stir in a few cups of baby spinach until wilted before serving.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add ⅓ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a luscious finish.
- Gluten-Free Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
Required Equipment for Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Cutting board and knife
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, as they can become tough if overcooked during reheating.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.
- Serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for added veggies.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it creates a glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand. Read about why pasta water matters.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce over low heat to help it absorb all the flavors.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking for the best sear.
- Is this dish spicy? Only if you add the red pepper flakes; adjust or omit to your taste.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely—replace butter with more olive oil and skip the Parmesan, or use a vegan alternative. Learn more about dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
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1Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
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4Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
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5Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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