Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A Quick & Flavor-Packed Seafood Favorite

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a big bowl of Garlic Shrimp Pasta—juicy, tender shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a hint of lemon. It’s a classic restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for date night or need a fast weeknight dinner, this pasta recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a bold, delicious meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Plus, it’s easy to customize—spice it up, add veggies, or go creamy!

---

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• 🍤 Simple but impressive – Only a few ingredients, but the flavor is rich and refined.
• 🧄 Garlic lovers’ dream – Loaded with fresh garlic for bold flavor.
• 🍋 Bright and balanced – Lemon juice cuts through the richness for perfect harmony.
• ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes – Quick enough for busy weeknights.
• 🍝 Endlessly adaptable – Add cream, spice, herbs, or vegetables to make it your own.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make classic garlic shrimp pasta:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
• Salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced (yes, really!)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus more for garnish)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)

📝 Tip: Use raw, uncooked shrimp for best flavor and texture.

---

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water. Then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
2. Add butter and let it melt.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
4. Add lemon juice and the reserved pasta water. Simmer for 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic sauce.
2. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss again until evenly combined and warmed through.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

---

Recipe Tips & Variations

🔥 Spice It Up

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
• Stir in cajun seasoning or Old Bay for a Southern kick.

🧄 Roasted Garlic Option

• Replace minced garlic with roasted garlic cloves for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

🥦 Add Veggies

• Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus.
• Add cooked broccoli or mushrooms for heartier texture.

🧀 Go Creamy

• Add ½ cup of heavy cream and a bit of grated Parmesan to create a creamy garlic shrimp pasta.
• Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to thicken.

🍋 Brighten It Up

• Zest a lemon and add to the sauce for extra brightness.
• Garnish with lemon slices for presentation.

---

What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• 🥖 Crusty garlic bread
• 🥗 Caesar salad or arugula salad
• 🍷 Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 🧄 Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts

---

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Avoid microwaving shrimp too long—it can get rubbery. Heat just until warmed.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best. You can also use angel hair or pappardelle.

Is garlic shrimp pasta healthy?

This version is relatively light, especially if you skip the cream and cheese. Shrimp is low-calorie and high in protein. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil only (no butter), and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

---

Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 35g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Sugar: 2g

(Values vary depending on pasta, butter, and cheese quantities)

---

SEO Keywords and Phrases Used

To make this article search-engine optimized, here are target keywords and phrases included:

• Garlic shrimp pasta recipe
• Easy shrimp pasta
• Shrimp and garlic butter sauce
• Weeknight seafood pasta
• Lemon garlic shrimp pasta
• Pasta with shrimp and garlic sauce
• Quick shrimp pasta dinner
• Low-carb shrimp pasta
• Creamy garlic shrimp pasta variation
• Healthy shrimp pasta ideas

These terms are designed to attract users searching for simple yet flavorful seafood pasta dishes.

---

Final Thoughts

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a staple every home cook should master. It’s the perfect mix of simplicity and sophistication—perfect for both weeknight cooking and date night dining. The tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and hint of lemon create a vibrant, craveable dish that never disappoints.

So, the next time you’re staring at that bag of shrimp in your freezer or wondering what to cook in under 30 minutes, remember this flavorful, elegant garlic shrimp pasta—it just might become your new go-to dinner.

Print