![When you're ready to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, gather these ingredients. They are simple yet full of flavor. - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients create a dish that’s quick and satisfying. The shrimp brings protein, while the pasta serves as a perfect base. Garlic adds depth, and lemon gives a fresh zing. You can add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. If you love cheese, sprinkle Parmesan on top when serving. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make this dish shine! To start, boil some water in a large pot. Add a few pinches of salt to the water. Then, cook 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; you don’t want it to burn. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Now, add 1 lb of large shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when they are done. This means they are perfectly cooked and ready for the next step. After the shrimp are cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften a bit. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. If the mix seems dry, pour in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. It should look glossy and inviting. - To get the best flavor, avoid burning the garlic. Cook it gently. - Adjust the red pepper flakes to control how spicy you want your dish. Start small. - Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Frozen shrimp can be watery. - Reserve some pasta water. This helps make the sauce creamy and smooth. - Serve the dish right away for the best texture. It tastes best fresh. - Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. For a full experience, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can easily switch some ingredients to match your needs. For a healthier option, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Zucchini noodles add veggies and cut carbs. If you prefer, you can swap shrimp for chicken or other seafood. Chicken breast works well and cooks quickly too. These swaps keep the dish fun and fresh. Want to take your dish to the next level? Try adding white wine to the sauce. This gives a rich flavor that makes every bite special. You can also toss in spinach or asparagus for more veggies. These greens add color and nutrients to your meal, making it even better. Feel free to experiment with other pasta types. Fettuccine or penne work great in this dish. They hold the sauce nicely and add a unique twist. Each pasta type changes the texture and look of your meal. So, try them all and see which you like best. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. The best containers are glass or BPA-free plastic. They seal well and help save space in your fridge. When you reheat your pasta, use a skillet or microwave. For a skillet, add a splash of water or extra butter. Heat on low to avoid drying it out. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This adds moisture while heating. You may need to add more sauce or pasta water if it looks dry. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for signs it has gone bad. If it smells sour or has a strange color, it’s best to throw it away. Fresh pasta is always the tastiest, so enjoy it while it’s at its best! For the Full Recipe, check the above section. Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta takes about 25 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick dish is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the pasta in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and combine. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. I recommend a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A light Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve steamed veggies for a healthy touch. These sides balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or quinoa. They work well with the sauce and shrimp. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. A nice white wine enhances the meal. Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. They complement the shrimp’s flavors. Enjoying a glass with your meal makes it even better! You now have all the tools to create Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, helpful tips, and storage information. You can customize this dish with various ingredients and enjoy it your way. Whether you follow the recipe closely or make your own tweaks, your meal will be delicious. Try it out and impress friends or family with your cooking skills. Enjoy the bright flavors of garlic, lemon, and shrimp in every bite!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/55c67546-34f5-4f84-96b7-b484dcf2fda8-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that's perfect for any occasion! This quick recipe combines succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon, all tossed with pasta for a mouthwatering dish ready in just 25 minutes. Elevate your dinner game and impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe. Click through to discover how to make this delightful meal that will leave everyone asking for more!