Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe for a Quick and Elegant Dinner

Need a flavorful garlic shrimp pasta recipe? Scroll below to get step-by-step instructions on how to make garlic shrimp pasta!

Imagine tender pasta coated in a buttery garlic sauce, accented with fresh lemon and loaded with succulent shrimp.

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a one-pan masterpiece that blends rich flavors with a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for both casual weeknights and special occasions.

The first time I tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together—just 25 minutes from start to finish!

It’s now a favorite in my dinner rotation for its ease, flavor, and versatility.

Ready to make this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is so Good

This dish has all the elements of a perfect meal: it’s fast, flavorful, and customizable.

Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Ready in a Snap: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy evenings.
2. Rich and Decadent: The buttery garlic sauce, enhanced with lemon and Parmesan, delivers indulgent flavors without being heavy.
3. Well-Balanced: Shrimp provides lean protein, while pasta brings satisfying carbs.
4. Endlessly Adaptable: Add vegetables, adjust the heat, or try different pasta options to make it your own.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients That will make you Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shine

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. High-quality ingredients come together to create big, bold flavors:

• Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them first.
• Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for rich, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Unsalted butter forms the base of the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps balance the richness of the butter.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the dish and balances the flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: A touch of grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty notes to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they add a subtle kick to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.

With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a flavorful, elegant meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to whip up this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in just a few simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the reserved pasta water and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
4. Combine the Ingredients
   Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Serve and Garnish
   Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a pasta dish that’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for any night of the week.

Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best served fresh, you can store and reheat leftovers with a few simple tips:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating Tip: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating to maintain its tender texture.

Note: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate shrimp and butter-based sauce.

Creative Variations

This recipe is versatile, making it easy to tailor to your preferences. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

1. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
2. Add Some Spice: Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil over the finished dish for a fiery kick.
3. Lighten It Up: Replace some of the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lighter option.
4. Swap the Pasta: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles to suit your dietary needs.
5. Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas for added color and nutrition.

This recipe serves as a blank canvas for experimentation—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in chicken broth or white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Return shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss until coated.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication, perfect for any occasion.

Its quick cooking time and rich, balanced flavors make it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, while its elegance is sure to impress guests.

Whip up a batch tonight and enjoy the deliciousness!