Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Introduction

Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta is fast, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying—tender shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and finished with a light, silky sauce. This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant last-minute dinners. Simple ingredients, bold garlic aroma, and juicy shrimp create a pasta that’s comforting yet refined.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Juicy shrimp with bold garlic flavor
• Light yet satisfying sauce
• Easy enough for weeknights, elegant for guests

• Customizable with cream, spice, or veggies

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: lemon wedges

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Colander

• Measuring cups

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season the shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. Dry shrimp sear better and stay juicier.

3. Heat the skillet

Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.

4. Cook the shrimp

Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1½–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.

5. Build the garlic sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant—do not brown.

6. Deglaze

Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

7. Combine pasta and sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and emulsify the sauce.

8. Add shrimp and finish

Return shrimp to the pan along with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Toss gently until shrimp are warmed through and sauce clings to the pasta.

9. Taste and adjust

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Parmesan as needed.

10. Serve immediately

Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overcooking shrimp — rubbery texture
• Burning garlic — bitter sauce
• Skipping pasta water — dry pasta
• Under-seasoning — flat flavor

• Crowding shrimp — steaming instead of searing

Variations of Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Creamy Version — add ½ cup heavy cream
• Lemon Garlic — add lemon zest and extra juice
• Spicy — increase red pepper flakes
• Veggie Add-In — add spinach or cherry tomatoes

• Low-Carb — use zucchini noodles

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Best served fresh
• Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth

• Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What pasta works best?
Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine hold the sauce well.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—omit butter and Parmesan, use olive oil and lemon.

Why reserve pasta water?
It helps emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

Conclusion

Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta proves that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. With juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a silky sauce, this dish is quick, elegant, and endlessly crave-worthy. Whether for a cozy dinner or special occasion, it’s a pasta you’ll come back to again and again.