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Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta

This shrimp garlic butter pasta features juicy, pink shrimp coated in a glossy, fragrant garlic butter sauce, clinging to long, al dente noodles. The dish combines rich butter, fresh garlic, and bright lemon for a comforting yet elegant meal with a silky, appealing appearance. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for cozy nights that call for satisfying flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined preferably raw and fresh
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh garlic for aroma and flavor
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature or melted
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine long pasta that holds sauce well
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice brightens the dish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional for garnish chopped parsley or basil

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  3. Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and fragrant, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until it turns golden and releases a fragrant aroma.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
  5. Pour the remaining butter into the same skillet, letting it melt into the garlic-infused oil. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir to combine, creating a fragrant, glossy sauce.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the butter sauce. Warm briefly, about 1 minute.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be glossy and fragrant, coating the noodles and shrimp evenly.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or basil if desired, to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil before serving. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp—they should be juicy and tender. Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce if needed.