Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner packed with tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, fresh greens, and perfectly cooked pasta. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still feeling elegant enough for special occasions. If you’re looking for a flavorful seafood pasta recipe, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Packed with juicy shrimp
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Restaurant-quality results at home
- Easily customizable with your favorite pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups baby arugula or spinach
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in batches and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the same skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta, arugula, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss until the greens begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Garnish the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add a splash of pasta water for a silkier sauce.
- Use spinach if you prefer a milder green than arugula.
- Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Lemon wedges make a delicious finishing touch.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Pescatarian
Notes
- Linguine and fettuccine work especially well with the buttery sauce.
- Fresh shrimp provides the best texture, but thawed frozen shrimp works well too.
- Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a lighter version, reduce the butter slightly and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are all excellent choices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes pair well with the flavors.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp only until pink and opaque, usually 2–3 minutes.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes. Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the pasta texture may change.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine linguine, or spaghetti
- 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups baby arugula or spinach
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in batches and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the same skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta, arugula, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss until the greens begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Garnish the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Linguine and fettuccine work especially well with the buttery sauce.
- Fresh shrimp provides the best texture, but thawed frozen shrimp works well too.
- Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a lighter version, reduce the butter slightly and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of buttery richness, savory garlic, tender shrimp, and comforting pasta. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this easy seafood pasta recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.