Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of garlic sizzling in butter took me back to my favorite coastal restaurant, where Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta was the star of the show. This dish is not just a quick meal; it’s a transformative experience that marries succulent shrimp with creamy fettuccine, all bathed in a fragrant garlic-infused sauce. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful seafood dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also embraces an elegant simplicity that makes you feel like a culinary master at home. Ready to decode the secrets of crafting this luscious comfort food? Come join me in bringing the flavors of the sea to your table! Why is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Amazing? Speedy Delight: You can whip up this flavorful dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Rich, Creamy Taste: The garlic-infused buttery sauce envelops every strand of fettuccine, creating a decadent flavor profile that sings to your taste buds. Versatile Variations: Whether you prefer classic fettuccine, zoodles for a lighter twist, or even a touch of white wine for depth, this recipe adapts beautifully! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your friends and family with a gourmet meal that looks and tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete feast. Healthy and Light: With fresh shrimp as the star protein, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition that leaves you feeling satisfied yet guilt-free. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Ingredients • Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish! For the Pasta Fettuccine – The perfect base for holding that creamy sauce; feel free to use any pasta type like linguine or spaghetti. For the Shrimp Shrimp – Fresh is best for optimal taste; if using frozen, make sure they are deveined and thawed properly for your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. For the Sauce Garlic – Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth to the dish; if you’re short on time, garlic powder can work as a substitute. Butter – This creates a rich sauce that binds all the flavors; you can swap it for olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Lemon Juice and Zest – Adds a burst of acidity that balances the richness; bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is preferred for the best taste. For Garnishing Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory finish to the dish; shredded parmesan is ideal, but nutritional yeast makes a suitable dairy-free alternative. Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing flavors; customize to your preference and consider Himalayan salt as an alternative. Optional Ingredients Cooking Oil – Needed for sautéing the garlic and shrimp; any neutral oil or olive oil will do. Red Pepper Flakes – For those who like a little heat in their dish; sprinkle in to spice up your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a small cup of the pasta water for later, and set it aside to keep warm. Step 2: Sauté the Garlic In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be cautious not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Step 3: Add the Butter and Shrimp Reduce the heat slightly and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the pan with the garlic. Stir until the butter melts completely. Next, add the shrimp into the skillet in a single layer, cooking for 4-6 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque; be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Step 4: Incorporate Lemon and Cheese Once the shrimp are cooked through, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, then stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and well combined, creating a luscious coating for your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Step 5: Combine with Fettuccine Add the cooked fettuccine directly to the skillet, tossing it gently with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Ensure each strand of pasta is well-coated with that beautiful creamy mixture. If the pasta seems dry, you can incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to enhance the sauce’s consistency. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately. For an extra touch of flavor and color, sprinkle with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. This elegant dish is best enjoyed warm, allowing you to savor that aromatic garlic and buttery richness on each delightful bite. Make Ahead Options These Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the fettuccine and sauté the garlic up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the cooked pasta and sautéed garlic in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful seafood dish, reheat the garlic in a skillet with a bit of oil, then add the shrimp and follow through with the remaining steps. This method not only saves time but also keeps the pasta just as delicious by preventing it from becoming mushy. If you’d like to prep even further, you can also clean and devein the shrimp up to 3 days beforehand and store them in the refrigerator until needed. Enjoy the restaurant-quality flavor without the last-minute rush! How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Fridge: Store any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing, to prevent condensation. Freezer: While not ideal for long-term storage, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for up to 1 month. Use a freezer-safe container and consider separating the pasta and sauce for better texture upon reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy sauce. Stir until heated through, avoiding high heat which can overcook the shrimp. Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid keeping Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta at room temperature for over 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the dish. What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Create a memorable meal experience that pairs beautifully with the elegant flavors of this dish. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that luscious garlic butter sauce, this classic side adds a comforting crunch to your meal. Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad tossed with vinaigrette brings bright acidity, balancing the richness of the pasta and keeping things light. Sautéed Spinach: Not only does it add vibrant color, but it enhances nutrition and complements the creamy pasta with its earthy flavors. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears that have been lightly roasted add a delightful crunch, along with a hint of smokiness that pairs well with shrimp. Sparkling White Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine can elevate the entire dining experience, offering a refreshing contrast to the garlic-infused buttery richness. Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate, echoing the zesty notes in your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta and leaving a bright finish. Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp when possible; frozen shrimp can be a convenient backup, but ensure they are completely thawed and deveined for maximum flavor. Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the shrimp; they should cook for about 4-6 minutes until opaque and pink. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery and lose their delightful texture. Customize Your Pasta: Though fettuccine is traditional, feel free to experiment with other pasta types like linguine or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist in your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Balance the Flavors: Don’t shy away from adjusting the seasonings! A pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the dish beautifully, enhancing the overall taste profile. Add Veggies: For a nutritious boost, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus into the mix, making your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta a more colorful and wholesome meal. Perfect Pairings: Serve your dish with a simple salad or some warm garlic bread; the contrast in textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience to a gourmet level. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Variations Get creative with your dish! There are plenty of delicious ways to customize your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for an even more unique flavor experience. Zoodles: Swap fettuccine for zoodles for a low-carb, veggie-packed version without sacrificing flavor. Wine-Infused: Incorporate a splash of white wine into the sauce while cooking the shrimp to add a layer of complexity. Veggie Boost: Stir in seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus to elevate nutrition and color, creating a vibrant, wholesome meal. Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sautéed garlic for a spicy kick that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile. Herbaceous Touch: Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can be sprinkled on top for an aromatic freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice noodles or quinoa pasta as a perfect substitute, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diners. Seafood Medley: Elevate your dish even more by adding scallops or crab to your shrimp for a delightful seafood medley that’s sure to impress. Creamy Variation: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the butter, creating a luscious and decadent texture. For additional ideas on pairing your dish, consider exploring a lovely side of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or enjoy it with an elegant plate of Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Each suggestion adds a unique twist to your meal and enhances the overall dining experience! Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to choose fresh shrimp? When selecting fresh shrimp, look for those that have a mild, briny scent and are slightly translucent, free from any dark spots or discoloration. If they smell overly fishy, avoid those! For the best flavor, I always recommend opting for shrimp that were caught locally, if possible. How long can I store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? You can safely store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy when reheated. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? How? Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for up to 1 month. I recommend separating the pasta and sauce before freezing for the best texture. Place the pasta and shrimp in a freezer-safe container, and store the sauce in a separate one. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. What should I do if the shrimp turn rubbery during cooking? To avoid rubbery shrimp, aim for a cooking time of 4-6 minutes. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. If they do become rubbery, they may have been overcooked. In the future, consider cooking them until just done and remove them from heat immediately. Are there any dietary considerations for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with a shellfish allergy, this dish isn’t suitable. For dairy-free options, substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. This way, everyone can enjoy a flavorful meal! Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Quick Gourmet Dinner Bliss This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, gourmet dinner option that combines succulent shrimp with creamy fettuccine in a garlic-infused sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta12 ounces Fettuccine Feel free to use any pasta type like linguine or spaghetti.For the Shrimp1 pound Shrimp Fresh is best; if using frozen, ensure they are deveined and thawed properly.For the Sauce4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth; garlic powder can substitute.4 tablespoons Butter Can be swapped for olive oil or coconut oil.2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh is preferred; bottled works in a pinch.1 tablespoon Lemon ZestFor Garnishing½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Shredded parmesan is ideal, nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative.to taste Sea Salt Customize to preference.to taste Black Pepper Consider Himalayan salt as an alternative.Optional Ingredients2 tablespoons Cooking Oil Needed for sautéing.1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes For those who like a little heat. Equipment large potskilletColander Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.Reduce heat and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp and cook for 4-6 minutes until pink and opaque.Pour in lemon juice and zest, stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper. Mix until creamy.Add cooked fettuccine into the skillet, tossing gently with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. If dry, add reserved pasta water.Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 260mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Can freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
