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1 photo There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of garlic melting into warm butter — it fills the kitchen with a sense of calm and anticipation that feels like coming home. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes that has a way of turning an ordinary evening into something memorable, even if you only have twenty minutes to spare. I created a version of this dish on a particularly busy weeknight, when I needed something fast but also deeply satisfying, the kind of meal that soothes you after a long day.
What makes this pasta special is how effortlessly the flavors come together. The shrimp cook in just minutes, turning pink and tender while absorbing the seasoning. The sauce strikes that perfect balance: rich but not heavy, garlicky without being overwhelming, and held together with the starchy pasta water that creates a glossy finish. Every time I make it, it feels like a small reward — warm, fragrant, and comforting.
This is the dish I turn to when I want something that feels both simple and a little indulgent. It’s ideal for quiet nights in, or for serving someone you care about. And best of all, it uses pantry staples you probably already have at home. Whether you’ve had a long day, need a boost, or simply want a bowl of something cozy, this pasta delivers that familiar sense of comfort and joy.
Recipe Steps :
Step-1
Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. I stirred mine in an OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl, but any bowl you already own is perfect. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Step-2
Pat the shrimp dry, season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque. A Lodge Cast Iron Skillet works well, but your regular pan is great too.
Step-3
Lower heat and melt butter. Add garlic and shallot, sautéing until softened. Use a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula or whatever you have at home to stir.
Step-4
Add pasta, pasta water, Parmesan, seasoning, and chili flakes. Toss until creamy.
Step-5
Add shrimp back in, toss with parsley, and serve warm
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta You Can Make in Minutes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta blends juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a velvety garlic-butter sauce, fresh herbs, chili flakes, and Parmesan. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, with bold flavors that come together quickly in one pan.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Season shrimp and sear until opaque. Set aside.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic and shallot.
- Add pasta, pasta water, Parmesan, seasoning, and chili flakes. Toss to combine.
- Add shrimp and parsley. Toss and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 620kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 215mg72%
- Sodium 860mg36%
- Potassium 460mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 45g90%
- Vitamin A 310 mcg
- Vitamin C 9 mg
- Calcium 290 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0.6 mcg
- Vitamin E 1.8 mg
- Vitamin K 8 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.25 mg
- Niacin 5.2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 160 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.4 mcg
- Biotin 9 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1.2 mg
- Phosphorus 320 mg
- Iodine 35 mcg
- Magnesium 52 mg
- Zinc 2.1 mg
- Selenium 52 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.4 mg
- Chromium 8 mcg
- Molybdenum 18 mcg
- Chloride 620 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Substitutions: Use chicken instead of shrimp, spaghetti instead of protein pasta, or pecorino instead of Parmesan.
- Serving ideas: Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Mistakes to avoid: Don’t overcook shrimp. Don’t skip reserving pasta water. Don’t heat Parmesan directly over high heat.
- Chef tips: Sear shrimp quickly for the best texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry first.
Q. Can I make it spicier?
Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Q. Can I use regular pasta?
Yes, any spaghetti or linguine works.
Q. How do I prevent clumping?
Add pasta water gradually while tossing.
