This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your home. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with pasta, making it a cozy meal.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip this up after a long day! I often enjoy it with a sprinkle of parmesan and a side salad. Who knew dinner could be this easy and yummy? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love spaghetti or linguine for this dish, but feel free to switch it out for fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can vary!
Shrimp: Large shrimp make a great choice for this recipe. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works just fine; just make sure to thaw them first. You could also use chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a good base. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you could use a plant-based butter or even olive oil for a lighter option. Just note that it will change the flavor a bit.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Cherry Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes add a nice sweetness, you can replace them with sun-dried tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have at home.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Shrimp?
Getting shrimp just right is key to this recipe! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so watch the time closely. Here’s how to achieve that tender, juicy shrimp:
- First, make sure your shrimp are patted dry to get that nice sear.
- In a hot skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer — this helps them cook evenly.
- Cook for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. You’ll know they’re done when they curl into a C-shape!
Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them off the heat, so remove them just before they look fully cooked.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Flavor Boosters:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (spaghetti or linguine) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting a good sear! Season the shrimp on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and slightly charred. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about a minute or until fragrant (be careful not to brown it!). Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
5. Add the Greens:
Now, add the baby spinach into the skillet; cook it for about a minute until it wilts down.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together. Pour in the reserved pasta water little by little to help loosen the sauce as needed. Mix it all up to combine the flavors!
7. Season and Finish:
Stir in the lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste everything and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take your skillet off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dish. Alternatively, try adding fresh diced jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and add the cooked pasta just before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra butter to help moisten it if needed.