![To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, you need these key ingredients: - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These items create a simple yet tasty dish that you can enjoy any night of the week. If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. Here are some easy swaps: - Alternative pasta choices: You can use penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta. - Shrimp substitutes: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try chicken or scallops. Both work well in this dish. - Vegan or vegetarian options: Use plant-based butter and swap shrimp for mushrooms or tofu. This keeps the flavors rich and satisfying. Feel free to mix and match to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the complete steps to create this delicious meal. To cook the pasta, first, prepare salted water. Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. The salt adds flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Next, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water. This water helps with the sauce later. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, let’s cook the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this for about 30 seconds. The garlic should smell nice but not burn. Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Make sure to lay them in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. They should turn pink. Then, flip them and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they are fully cooked and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Now, let’s combine everything. In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Stir this gently to mix it all up. Let it simmer for about a minute. This lets the butter melt and creates a bubbly sauce. Next, return the cooked pasta and the shrimp to the skillet. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and pasta in the sauce. If you want a thinner sauce, add more pasta water until you like the consistency. Finally, you can mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta right away with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this delicious meal! For the full recipe, click here. To get the best garlic flavor, watch the heat. Cook garlic over medium heat. This way, it releases its aroma without burning. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin your dish. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can always add more if you want extra heat. Remember, spice levels vary from person to person. For a beautiful plate, use large, shallow bowls. This lets the pasta spread out and look appealing. Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. Pair garlic butter shrimp pasta with a light salad. A simple green salad works well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting touch. Prep your ingredients before you cook. Peel and devein shrimp ahead of time. Chop garlic and parsley in advance for quick use. Try a one-pot method to save time. Cook the pasta in the same pot as the shrimp. This keeps the flavors together and minimizes cleanup. You can add pasta directly to the shrimp sauce. This method is easy and delicious. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} If you want to change up the protein in garlic butter shrimp pasta, you have great choices. You can swap shrimp for chicken. Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in the same way you cook the shrimp. You will need about one pound of chicken for this dish. Scallops are another tasty option. They cook quickly and add a sweet flavor. Use about one pound of sea scallops and follow the same cooking steps. For vegetarian or seafood options, consider using mushrooms or zucchini. Both add a nice texture. You can also use tofu for a vegan twist. Just ensure you season them well for the best flavor. You can easily change the flavor of your dish with a few tweaks. Adding fresh herbs can brighten the meal. Try basil, thyme, or oregano. Chop them finely and add them to the sauce before mixing in the pasta. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes or try a pinch of cayenne pepper. These will give your pasta a nice kick. You can also mix up the sauce. For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream. This will make the dish rich and smooth. You could even add white wine for a deeper flavor. Just let it simmer before adding the pasta and shrimp. Feel free to get creative! Each variation helps you explore new tastes while enjoying this classic dish. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers, let the garlic butter shrimp pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish with a lid or wrap to avoid drying. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Can you freeze garlic butter shrimp pasta? Yes, you can! Freezing works well, but the texture may change a bit. Shrimp may not be as firm once thawed. To freeze properly, let the pasta cool completely. Divide it into portions and place it in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. How can I make garlic butter shrimp pasta spicier? You can add more red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon more. You can also try a dash of hot sauce or chopped fresh chili. Just remember, spice builds, so add slowly! Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear better and keeps them from being watery. What pasta pairs best with this dish? Linguine or spaghetti are great choices. They hold the sauce well. Fettuccine also works if you want a thicker noodle. Use whatever you like best! Estimated calories per serving Each serving has about 450 calories. This may vary based on your ingredients and portion size. Macronutrient breakdown - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 55g - Fat: 15g These numbers help you understand what you eat in this dish. Suitable salads and appetizers A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely. You can also try garlic bread for a tasty side. Pairing with wines or drinks A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements this dish well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, lemonade or sparkling water with lime works great too. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is delicious and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. You can create variations based on your diet or preferences. Remember to store leftovers correctly for future meals. With these steps and ideas, you can impress anyone with your cooking. Enjoy making this dish and share it with loved ones. Your time in the kitchen will be rewarding and fun. Experiment with flavors and substitutions to make it your own.](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fa91a2e0-65a6-4104-afe5-3293f6939bb7-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in a flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that's quick to make and perfect for any occasion! This dish features tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a decadent buttery garlic sauce, all garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon. In just 20 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this delicious meal.