If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect recipe. Tender shrimp, rich buttery garlic sauce, fresh greens, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a simple dish that tastes restaurant-quality while being easy enough for a busy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is packed with flavor from garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and juicy shrimp. It comes together in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings. The combination of pasta and seafood creates a comforting meal that feels special without requiring complicated ingredients. Plus, the addition of arugula or spinach adds a fresh touch that the whole family can enjoy.
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 chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp in batches if needed. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, arugula, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the greens begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery very quickly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Substitute spinach for arugula if you prefer a milder taste.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Pescatarian-Friendly
Notes
This recipe works well with fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti. You can also use large shrimp for a heartier presentation. For extra vegetables, add cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 560
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What pasta works best for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are all excellent choices because they hold the buttery garlic sauce well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated for later meals.
How do I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all pair beautifully with this shrimp pasta recipe.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta healthy?
It provides a good source of protein from shrimp and can be made lighter by reducing the butter or adding extra vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For freezing, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
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 chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp in batches if needed. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, arugula, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the greens begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet impressive meal that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, tender pasta, and fresh greens create a balanced dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try this easy seafood pasta recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.