Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s impossibly delicious yet quick to whip up any night of the week, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe balances juicy shrimp with rich garlic butter sauce, all tossed with tender fettuccine. When I first tried this, it became an instant family favorite — and trust me, once you taste this, you’ll want to make it over and over again. So, pull up a chair and let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this your go-to dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all come together to create a harmonious dish. Fresh shrimp and real Parmesan cheese make such a difference here, so don’t skimp if you can help it. Also, a little lemon zest adds a bright pop that balances the richness perfectly.

• Fettuccine: I love fettuccine because its wide ribbons hold the buttery sauce beautifully.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work great; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
• Garlic: Mince it finely so it infuses the butter evenly without overpowering the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best — it melts smoothly and adds that irresistible savory depth.
• Butter: Key to that rich, creamy sauce; don’t hesitate to use good quality butter.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and elevates the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Cooking Oil: I usually use olive oil or a neutral oil like canola for sautéing garlic and shrimp.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste as you go.

Variations

I’m a big fan of making this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on what I have on hand or craving that day. You can easily adapt the flavors and ingredients to suit your palate.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat that my family goes crazy for.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh parsley is great, but swapping or adding basil or thyme gives it a wonderfully fresh twist.
• Low Carb Option: Replace fettuccine with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lighter, gluten-free version.
• Seafood Mix: Mix in scallops or chopped lobster for an indulgent surf-and-turf pasta experience.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is your pasta’s spa treatment! I like to add about a tablespoon of salt to the water – it seasons the pasta from the inside as it cooks, which is a game changer. Cook your fettuccine until it’s al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it but isn’t hard. Timing is key here, so check the package directions and taste a strand a minute or so before the suggested time. Once ready, drain it well and set it aside so it doesn’t get soggy.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant

In a large pan, heat your cooking oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want that garlic golden and fragrant, but not burnt — burnt garlic can taste bitter, so keep a close eye on it.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp in Butter

Once your garlic is ready, melt the butter right in the pan with the garlic. Then add your shrimp, stirring gently but often. The shrimp will turn from a translucent grey to a delightfully opaque white with some pink edges — usually about 4 to 6 minutes. Don’t overcook or they become rubbery, so trust your eyes here.

Step 4: Add Zesty Lemon and Cheese

Here’s where the magic happens. Pour in the juice and zest from a quarter of a lemon, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir this mixture until the cheese melts into the buttery sauce, coating the shrimp. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. I usually do a quick taste test here to make sure it’s balanced — the lemon cuts through the richness beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer your drained fettuccine straight into the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so each strand of pasta is coated in that garlicky, buttery goodness. This is like the finishing touch that makes this recipe sing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, I always add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. Then plate it up and enjoy immediately—you want it warm and saucy for the best experience.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness, but if I have them, a little extra lemon zest or even some chili flakes can be fantastic. These simple garnishes add a little flair that makes the dish feel more special.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also fantastic for soaking up the leftover buttery sauce — my family and I definitely never miss that part!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a dinner party, try plating it in shallow pasta bowls with a sprig of fresh herb on top and a finely grated shower of Parmesan. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds an elegant finish. It always impresses guests without you having to try too hard.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge keeps the pasta fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the shrimp might firm up slightly but the flavor stays delicious. I like to add a little fresh lemon juice when reheating to bring back that fresh zing.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp pasta can be tricky because shrimp texture changes, so I recommend freezing just the pasta and sauce separately from the shrimp if possible. That way, you can reheat the sauce and add fresh shrimp later for best results. Otherwise, freezing the full dish is okay if you’re in a pinch—just expect a slight texture change.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stirring occasionally helps ensure even heating without drying out the shrimp. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that brightens any weeknight and makes you feel like a pro cook without complicated steps. I’ve made it countless times, and every time, it brings that cozy comfort and wow-factor to the table. If you follow these tips and trust your instincts during cooking, I know you’re going to nail it—and have a delicious meal to enjoy with loved ones. Give it a try soon, and prepare to have your new favorite shrimp pasta recipe!

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