If there is one dish that combines simplicity, elegance, and bold flavor, it has to be this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s a spectacular celebration of tender shrimp swimming in a garlicky, buttery sauce while perfectly al dente spaghetti soaks up every bit of that goodness. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this recipe brings together vibrant herbs, subtle spice from red pepper flakes, and the comforting richness of butter and olive oil that’ll leave you craving every last bite. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a permanent favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one is a star player in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe so memorable. From the succulent shrimp to the fragrant garlic, everything works together like a symphony of flavors.
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed: Ensures easy eating and lets the garlic butter sauce shine directly on the shrimp.
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles: Classic pasta that provides the ideal texture and soak-up power for the luscious sauce.
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced: The heart of the flavor profile, adding a punch of robust, aromatic depth.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds a luxuriously rich, creamy coating that elevates every forkful.
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles): A subtle fruity undertone that melds ingredients and keeps that silky sauce light.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that adds warmth and complexity.
- Fresh ground pepper: Adds freshness and a little bite without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat that perfectly complements the garlic.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and perfectly seasons the dish at every level.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil): Adds vivid green color and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your spaghetti noodles until just al dente — which means they should still have a bite because they will soak up some of the flavorful sauce later. Drain them, reserving a small cup of pasta water to help bring everything together in the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and watch it slowly bloom into fragrant, golden goodness without burning. Then, toss in the shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and Italian seasoning; cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, usually around 2-3 minutes per side. The quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Next, add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles evenly with the buttery garlic sauce. If it seems a little dry, use that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce and create a silky finish.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Heat
Sprinkle in your fresh ground pepper and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a hint of heat. Taste and adjust salt accordingly. Stir in the fresh herbs toward the end to keep their vibrant color and fragrance alive.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens this dish both visually and aromatically. For an extra indulgent touch, grate some parmesan cheese on top just before serving — it adds that creamy, savory layer everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices provide a satisfying crunch and are perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant herbs and plump shrimp. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top at the table to add a final burst of brightness. For a dinner party, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests with a restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the shrimp can become a bit rubbery with time, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but careful reheating can help maintain the dish’s integrity.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this particular recipe because cooked shrimp and pasta both have delicate textures that don’t thaw well. You’ll get much better results if you prepare this recipe fresh or store leftovers just for a couple of days.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of olive oil or a little butter helps revive the sauce without drying out the shrimp or pasta. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the shrimp tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional and perfect, but linguine or fettuccine also hold the sauce beautifully. Choose what you have on hand or prefer.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat is completely optional thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to suit your taste.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work wonderfully and add color and nutrition without overpowering the garlic shrimp flavor.
How long does this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe take to prepare?
From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic quick but impressive meal for any night of the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about cooking and sharing this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe with people you care about. It’s simple enough for busy nights but flavorful enough to feel special. I encourage you to give it a try — the combination of garlic, buttery shrimp, and fresh herbs will have you coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce served over al dente spaghetti noodles, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of spice, creates a delicious and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust based on family size)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and drizzle in olive oil. Once melted and heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned, to develop deep garlic flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the deveined shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, fresh ground pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are well coated with the flavorful butter and garlic mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the pasta. Give a final toss and serve immediately while hot for the best taste.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- For additional texture, toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts can be sprinkled on top before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
