Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

I recently tried this garlic butter shrimp pasta and got totally hooked. The tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich, creamy sauce hit all the right notes. I love how every bite blends a subtle kick of red pepper with comfort food vibes, making it my ultimate choice for a quick, unforgettable dinner experience.

I love whipping up a quick yet fancy dinner that doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is my go-to when I crave something creamy but with robust flavors.

I use 8 oz linguine pasta as the base, then toss in 1 lb large shrimp that I always peel and devein fresh. The magic starts when I melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter along with a splash of olive oil, then add in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

I add a bit of chicken broth and heavy cream to create a rich, smooth sauce, then finish it off with the zest and juice of a lemon for that citrus pop. I love that this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and its nutritional value is on point too, making it a hearty seafood dinner perfect for any weeknight.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because first, it comes together so quickly that even on a busy day I can get a tasty dinner on the table in about 20 minutes. I also really like how the garlic, butter, and lemon work together to create a rich and creamy sauce that makes every bite burst with flavor. Another reason is that the shrimp turns out perfectly tender and juicy every time, which makes the whole dish feel special yet easy. Lastly, I feel like its simple ingredients make it both a fun and satisfying meal to cook, even if I’m not a master chef.

Ingredients

• Linguine pasta gives you carbohydrates and energy to power your meal.
• Large shrimp offer lean protein and help keep you feeling full longer.
• Unsalted butter adds a luxurious creamy taste and extra richness.
• Garlic boosts the dish with a strong flavor and potential health benefits.
• Lemon zest and juice bring a tangy lift that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh parsley gives a clean taste and a pop of color to finish nicely.
• Chicken broth adds depth and moisture, making the dish super satisfying.
• Red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat that awakens the flavors.
• Olive oil imparts a smooth texture and a gentle fruity note to complete it.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz linguine pasta (or your favorite kind)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make this

1. Bring a big pot of salted water to boil and cook 8 oz linguine pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, season 1 lb shrimp with salt and pepper.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add the shrimp and cook until pink on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and stir in 6 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup heavy cream, then add the zest and juice of 1 lemon; bring to a simmer.

6. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to thicken a bit.

7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir them in until they are coated in the sauce.

8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta gets all the flavor.

9. Finally, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. Big pot for boiling pasta
2. Colander to drain pasta
3. Large skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce
4. Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic, zesting lemon, and chopping parsley
5. Measuring cups and spoons for butter, broth, cream, and red pepper flakes
6. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
7. Tongs for tossing the pasta and shrimp in the skillet

FAQ

• Q: How long does it take to prep and cook this dish?
  A: It usually takes about 30 minutes total so its pretty quick for a weeknight dinner.
• Q: Can I use another type of pasta instead of linguine?
  A: Yeah, you can swap it out with your favorite pasta if you prefer, like spaghetti or fettuccine.
• Q: What if I don’t want it too spicy?
  A: You can totally reduce or skip the red pepper flakes if you dont like too much heat.
• Q: Can I make any substitutions for the shrimp?
  A: Sure, though shrimp is the star here so if you choose another seafood, it might change the overall flavor a bit.
• Q: How should I store leftovers and reheat them?
  A: Put any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have linguine pasta, you can use spaghetti or fettuccine instead.
• If large shrimp aren’t available, small shrimp or even scallops can work just fine.
• If you’re out of unsalted butter, try using salted butter and cut back on extra salt in the recipe.
• If olive oil isn’t handy, avocado oil is a solid substitute that keeps the flavor light.
• Heavy cream can be swapped with half and half mixed with a bit of cream cheese to get that right creamy texture.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook the shrimp. They only need a quick sear so they stay tender and dont get rubbery.
2. When you cook garlic in butter, watch it closely. If the garlic burns the whole dish can taste bitter, so stir it often and keep an eye on it.
3. Taste the pasta before draining it to be sure it’s exactly al dente. Overcooked pasta can end up mushy and not stand up well to the shrimp and sauce.
4. If you really like a zesty kick, add a little extra lemon zest at the end. It really brings out the bright flavors in the sauce and makes the dish pop.