![Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet tasty meal. It takes about 25 minutes to make. This dish serves four people. You can find the full recipe below to guide you. To make this dish, you need a few key ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood broth - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These ingredients create a rich and flavorful pasta that shines. The large shrimp bring a sweet taste, while garlic adds depth. Butter forms a creamy base for the sauce. You can add a few optional ingredients to amp up the flavor: - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme - Cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst - A splash of white wine for extra richness These extras can change the taste and make your dish unique. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 4 quarts of water for 8 ounces of pasta. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook it until it is just al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to check the package for exact times. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it's melted, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. If you like a little heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not turn brown. Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once they are cooked, take them out of the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Scrape any tasty bits from the skillet. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it well in the garlic butter sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water until it’s creamy. Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix everything gently. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To make your garlic butter shrimp pasta truly shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp adds a sweet taste. Fresh garlic gives a strong, bold flavor. Use high-quality pasta for the best texture. Choose spaghetti or linguine; both work well. A good rule is to cook pasta al dente. This keeps it firm and helps it hold the sauce better. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. To avoid this, cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from heat as soon as they are opaque. If you’re unsure, use a timer. Timing is key for perfectly cooked shrimp. Mistakes happen in the kitchen. If your pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water. This helps loosen the dish without losing flavor. If you over-salt your sauce, add a bit of sugar. This can balance the saltiness. For a lack of flavor, fresh herbs or lemon juice can brighten the dish. Don’t hesitate to adjust and taste as you go. Cooking should be fun and creative! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} To spice things up, you can add more heat. Use more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. This change gives a bold kick. You can also try hot sauce for an even stronger flavor. This variation works well with the garlic butter sauce. It adds depth and excitement to your meal. If you enjoy creamy pasta, this variation is for you. Add heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce. This makes the dish rich and smooth. You can also use a splash of milk for a lighter option. Pair it with a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor. This creamy version is comforting and filling. You can create a vegetarian version too. Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Cook them in the same garlic butter sauce. This keeps the dish flavorful and hearty. You can add spinach or cherry tomatoes for freshness. This adaptation shows that everyone can enjoy garlic butter pasta! To store leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal the container well to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you reheat garlic butter shrimp pasta, do it slowly. Use a pan on low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, the pasta stays tender. If you want to freeze your garlic butter shrimp pasta, portion it first. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the methods above for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them defrost safely. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This prevents extra water from making the dish soggy. If you want a butter substitute, try olive oil or ghee. Both give a nice flavor. Coconut oil works too, but it adds a different taste. You can also use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. To reduce saltiness, use low-sodium broth. You can also skip adding extra salt. If you find it too salty after cooking, add more pasta. This will help balance the flavors. Adding more parsley or lemon juice can also brighten the dish without more salt. Spaghetti and linguine are great choices. They catch the sauce well. You can also try fettuccine or tagliatelle for a thicker bite. Use any pasta you enjoy. The key is to cook it al dente for the best texture. Check the package for cooking times to avoid overcooking. This blog post covered all you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. We looked at key ingredients and exciting options to enhance the flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to avoid mistakes. You can even explore tasty variations, from spicy to creamy. Plus, there’s great info on storing leftovers. Remember, this dish is easy to customize. Enjoy making it your own!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/f92a8637-d812-4a50-a9c2-3c52008c3066-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that will impress your family and friends! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti for a perfect meal in just 25 minutes. Whether you're hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.