Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta (Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe)

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect recipe. Tender shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Every bite is packed with buttery, garlicky goodness that's sure to become a family favorite.

This easy pasta recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, date nights, or whenever you want an impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Restaurant-quality flavor
• Rich garlic butter sauce
• High in protein
• Perfect for family dinners or entertaining

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Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 10 Minutes
• Total Time: 20 Minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Difficulty: Easy

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Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• Salt for boiling water

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated in the garlic butter sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

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Expert Tips

Don't Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to keep them juicy and tender.

Use Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic provides the richest flavor and aroma for the butter sauce.

Save Pasta Water

Reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a smooth and glossy finish.

Grate Parmesan Fresh

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers a richer taste than pre-shredded cheese.

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Recipe Variations

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Add ½ cup of heavy cream for a rich and creamy sauce.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Vegetable Version

Mix in spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.

Whole Wheat Option

Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Caprese salad
• Fresh lemonade

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the pasta from drying out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Which pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta all pair well with garlic butter shrimp.

Can I make it ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.

Is this recipe spicy?

No. The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg

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Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant recipe that's perfect for any occasion. With juicy shrimp, a buttery garlic sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh Parmesan cheese, it's a meal that's both comforting and impressive. Make it once, and it's sure to become one of your favorite quick dinner recipes.