Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a rich, savory one-pan dinner made with juicy shrimp, garlic-infused butter, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy shrimp pasta recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the skillet. Season with paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and stir to coat shrimp.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use frozen shrimp if needed—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before tossing with the pasta.
- Swap shrimp for scallops, or add vegetables like baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they only need a few minutes per side.
