Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick weeknight dinner that pairs tender shrimp with a silky garlic butter sauce and al dente pasta. It comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes and feels special enough for date night.
This recipe is ideal when you want restaurant-style flavor without a long ingredient list. If you like fast skillet dinners, compare it to our chicken asparagus lemon stir fry on a night when you want poultry instead of seafood.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Best for: weeknight dinners, date night, easy entertaining
- Texture: silky sauce with firm shrimp and tender pasta
Why This Recipe Works
Cooking the shrimp first keeps them juicy, then the same pan builds a quick garlic butter sauce with broth and lemon. Tossing everything together off the heat keeps the pasta glossy instead of dry.
Fresh garlic and a little Parmesan add depth without heavy cream. For another quick chicken dinner, try our easy chicken enchiladas.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan and lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the shrimp
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink. Transfer to a plate.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic; cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in broth and lemon juice and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Finish the sauce
Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce is thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Toss pasta and shrimp
Add drained pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss until coated, adding pasta water as needed for a silky finish.
6. Garnish and serve
Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Pasta
- Pat shrimp dry before searing for better browning.
- Do not overcook shrimp or they turn rubbery.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Finish with lemon just before serving for brightness.
Variations
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color. Use scallops instead of half the shrimp for a mixed seafood pasta. Swap linguine for angel hair for a lighter plate. For another easy baked dinner, try our pepperoni pizza braid.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad.
- Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.
- Add a light soup starter like loaded baked potato soup.
- Squeeze extra lemon at the table for freshness.
- Plan ahead with ideas from our 7 easy make-ahead dinners to simplify your week.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or pasta water, stirring until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Checklist
- Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry.
- Mince garlic before starting the sauce.
- Boil pasta to al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Cook shrimp first and remove from the pan.
- Build sauce in the same skillet for extra flavor.
- Toss and serve immediately for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and cook as directed. Excess moisture can prevent browning.
Can I make this without broth?
Yes. Use pasta water instead, adding it gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes. Add pre-cooked shrimp at the end and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What pasta works best?
Linguine and spaghetti both work well because they hold the light butter sauce evenly.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce with the garlic butter.
Why is my sauce clumpy?
Parmesan may clump if the heat is too high. Remove the pan from heat before stirring in cheese.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger skillet and cook shrimp in batches so they sear instead of steam.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a reliable weeknight winner with big flavor and minimal cleanup. Sear the shrimp, build a quick sauce, and toss everything together while the pasta is hot. For another cozy dinner idea, try our buffalo chicken dip as an appetizer before the main course.