![- Main ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) - Optional ingredients for enhanced flavor - Add spinach or bell peppers for more veggies. - Use fresh basil or thyme for more herbal notes. - Try lemon zest or juice for added brightness. - Substitute white wine for a richer sauce. When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. This choice helps to bring out the flavors in the dish. For the best shrimp, look for wild-caught, as they often taste sweeter. If you prefer pasta, choose a type that holds sauce well, like linguine. You can find the full recipe with detailed steps and tips to make this dish shine. To start, you need to cook your pasta. I suggest using spaghetti or linguine. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm when you bite it. This texture helps the pasta hold up to the sauce. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Next, it is time for the shrimp. Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside on a plate. Now, let's make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. The key is to not burn the garlic. If you choose a non-stick skillet, the sauce won’t stick and makes it easier to mix later. After the sauce is ready, it's time to combine. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir everything together. Finally, add in the drained pasta. Pour the reserved pasta water as needed. Toss it all until the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce. To finish, stir in the chopped parsley. This adds freshness. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, serve the pasta on plates. You can top it with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Want the full recipe? Check out the [Full Recipe]. To make sure your shrimp are not overcooked, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. When blending pasta with sauce, use tongs or a pasta fork. This method helps coat the pasta evenly. Always save a bit of pasta water. If the dish looks dry, add some reserved water to loosen the sauce. For shrimp, use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and taste. If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen shrimp works too. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. When choosing pasta, spaghetti or linguine are great options. Both hold sauce well and provide a nice bite. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add a burst of flavor. Dried herbs work, but fresh will always taste better. Use a large skillet for cooking. This allows shrimp and pasta to mix well without crowding. Start with medium heat to melt the butter. If you notice the butter browning too fast, reduce the heat. When sautéing garlic, keep an eye on it. Garlic burns quickly, turning bitter. Cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This will add a rich flavor to your sauce. For a more robust taste, you can add the garlic after the shrimp have cooked. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta easily. Adding vegetables boosts taste and nutrition. Try adding fresh spinach or colorful bell peppers. They cook fast and fit well in this dish. For spice, you can adjust the red pepper flakes. Use less for a milder dish or add more for heat. You control the spice level to suit your taste. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. It cooks just like regular pasta. You can find it in many stores. For a dairy-free meal, swap the butter with olive oil. There are also great dairy-free butter substitutes. Using these options keeps the dish tasty and safe for various diets. Pair your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad complements the dish well. You could also serve garlic bread on the side. For a drink, a crisp white wine works best. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors. Enjoy your meal with these easy serving ideas and full recipe. To store leftovers of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, let the dish cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spills. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The shelf life of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is about three days in the fridge. After that, the shrimp may lose its texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks different, toss it out. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Heat it over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning the shrimp. To avoid soggy pasta, do not microwave it directly. Instead, gently heat it in a pan. This method keeps the pasta firm and tasty. For even better results, add a little more garlic butter while reheating. Enjoy the flavors! I love using spaghetti or linguine for this dish. Both types hold the sauce well. They offer a nice, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with shrimp. You can also use fettuccine for a wider noodle if you prefer. If you're gluten-free, try using rice pasta or zucchini noodles. They work well and keep the dish light. Yes, frozen shrimp are a great option. They are often just as good as fresh shrimp. When using frozen shrimp, thaw them before cooking. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight. This way, they will be ready to cook without any ice. To add some heat, try using more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for an extra kick. If you want a different flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or chili oil. These ingredients can elevate your dish and suit your spice preference. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A fresh Caesar salad or arugula salad can balance the richness of the pasta. You could also serve garlic bread on the side for a classic touch. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the meal beautifully. Enjoy experimenting with your side dishes! Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta combines simple ingredients for a delicious meal. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté shrimp, and make a tasty garlic butter sauce. We also covered tips for perfect texture and flavor adjustments. Plus, variations and storage advice help you enjoy this dish later. Remember, cooking is fun. With these steps, you can impress anyone at your table. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy every bite!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d9346947-078d-442d-be26-fa0a9f770c2e-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with this easy recipe that combines succulent shrimp, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes! Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!