Print

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Seafood Lover’s Recipe

4.8 from 147 reviews

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make seafood dish combining succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, linguine pasta, and fresh herbs. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal with a hint of white wine and lemon zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound linguine pasta
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare the pasta.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and, if desired, more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. Incorporate Pasta Water, Cheese, and Parsley: Stir in the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors and create a silky sauce.
  8. Return Shrimp to Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the pasta and toss everything together gently to distribute the shrimp evenly throughout the dish.
  9. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired, for an extra flavorful presentation.

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can substitute half of the butter with heavy cream to create a creamier sauce.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
  • Reserve pasta water is key for achieving a silky and luscious sauce consistency.
  • Cook shrimp in batches if your skillet is not large enough to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • This recipe goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, seafood pasta, shrimp linguine, easy seafood dinner, garlic butter sauce, Italian pasta recipe, quick shrimp pasta