Craving a flavorful, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require spending hours in the kitchen? Who isn’t, right? My Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the answer. It’s a super simple dish, ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or even a casual dinner with friends. The garlic butter sauce is rich, the shrimp is tender, and the pasta? Well, it just soaks up all that deliciousness.
Top Reasons To Make It
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a winner for so many reasons: it’s quick, customizable, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it’s a huge crowd-pleaser. From picky kids to your gourmet-loving friend, everyone loves this dish. Need I say more?
Ingredients
- Shrimp: For a nice, juicy protein.
- Linguine: The classic pasta pairing.
- Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Adds that irresistible aroma and pungent flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth sauce and adds depth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with acidity.
- Parsley: Provides a fresh, herby touch.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a little kick (optional).
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Measurements below in recipe card
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package directions. About 8-10 minutes, aiming for al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Don’t burn it!
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, and let it reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. So good.
- Serve immediately!
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! You can swap the linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even angel hair. For a lighter dish, try zucchini noodles. If you don’t have shrimp on hand, try grilled chicken or even scallops. In that case, you will have your grilled shrimp pasta. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar. Different cheeses, fresh or grated, also work well with a good pasta sauce like this garlic butter shrimp recipe.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread. A glass of iced tea or lemonade goes perfectly with this dish, especially for a summer dinner. You can definitely serve this pasta alongside Garlic Butter Shrimp as appetizer for you dinner with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out. Always ensure the shrimp is heated through before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Shrimp Pasta Recipes ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. This will help keep the pasta from getting mushy.
Q: My family loves shrimp. What other shrimp dishes can I try?
A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can make a simple Shrimp Salad, whip up more pasta recipes featuring shrimp, or go for something fancier like grilled shrimp. The garlic butter sauce works amazingly in grilled shrimp recipes too!
Making this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is so, so easy and rewarding. This simple pasta dish is an instant classic, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It truly is one of the best 30-minute meals out there!
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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: 30-Minute Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is quick, luxurious, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or elegant date night in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
8 oz linguine
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook linguine according to package directions (8–10 minutes), until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add chopped parsley and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss in the cooked linguine and mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. Serve immediately while hot and buttery.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp.
Swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, seafood dinner, easy weeknight meal