25-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta

There are some nights when you want something simple yet full of flavor — the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with buttery garlic and a hint of spice. That’s exactly what this Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers.

Tender shrimp are tossed in a golden honey-garlic-chili sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite rich, glossy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of quick dinner you can make after work but still feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

If you love cozy comfort food with a bit of a kick, this dish hits the spot — simple, fast, and seriously delicious.

Quick Ingredient Highlights

• Pasta: Use spaghetti or linguine — they hold the sauce perfectly.
• Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined for quick cooking.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce deep aroma and flavor.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the chili heat.
• Garlic Chili Oil: Brings the spicy kick — adjust to your spice level.
• Butter: Gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds savory depth and a little saltiness.
• Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle at the end adds creaminess and balance.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta

STEP 1 – Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s firm but tender — soft enough to eat, but not mushy.
You can use any pot you have, but the All-Clad Stainless Steel 8-Quart Stockpot heats evenly and keeps the water at a steady boil.
Once cooked, drizzle in a little olive oil and save a small cup of the pasta water before draining.

STEP 2 – Season the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat evenly.
A clear glass bowl makes it easier to see the seasoning coverage — I use the Pyrex 4-Quart Glass Mixing Bowl for this step because it’s sturdy and dishwasher-safe.

STEP 3 – Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, honey, and garlic chili oil until it’s smooth and glossy.
You can adjust the chili oil to your taste — less for mild, more for heat.

STEP 4 – Cook the Shrimp

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it turns lightly golden.
Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1 minute on each side until pink and slightly crisp.
A soft, flexible spatula like the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula helps flip shrimp easily without scratching your pan.

STEP 5 – Add Sauce and Pasta Water

Pour the prepared honey-garlic-chili sauce into the pan with the cooked shrimp. Stir gently and add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns glossy.

STEP 6 – Combine with Pasta

Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss until every strand is evenly coated with the honey garlic sauce.
If you need to reheat evenly, I like using the Cuisinart 622-30G Nonstick Skillet with Glass Cover — it holds heat beautifully and keeps the pasta from sticking.

STEP 7 – Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta, drizzle a little extra chili oil for spice, and sprinkle grated cheese on top (optional).
Serve immediately while it’s hot, buttery, and full of flavor

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