This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Packed with protein from succulent shrimp and fiber from fettuccine, it’s a well-balanced meal with healthy fats from butter and olive oil.
Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or anytime you crave a rich, comforting pasta dish.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 Large Pan
- 1 colander
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Cooking Spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ lemon juiced
- ¼ lemon zest
- 2 tbsp cooking oil olive or vegetable
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander and set it aside. For best results, toss the pasta lightly with a little oil to prevent sticking while preparing the shrimp.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This step builds the flavorful base for the shrimp and sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the same pan and allow it to melt completely, blending with the garlic and oil. Then, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque white with hints of pink. Avoid overcooking—the shrimp should be tender and succulent, not rubbery.
- Add Lemon and Cheese: Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the juice and zest of ¼ lemon. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently until the cheese melts and combines with the butter, garlic, and lemon for a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained fettuccine to the pan with the shrimp and sauce.Toss thoroughly with tongs or a spoon until the pasta is fully coated and evenly mixed with the shrimp. Ensure every strand of pasta is glistening with the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Optionally, add extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
- Enjoy: Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is ready! Savor the combination of tender shrimp, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
Notes
- Always prepare all ingredients before cooking, as this recipe moves quickly.
- Use a combination of butter and oil to prevent the butter from burning.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they should be opaque with a hint of pink and tender.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste for balanced, bright flavors.
- Reserve a small cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Pasta
To achieve the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, timing and temperature control are key.
Cook the shrimp over medium heat so they cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
Always melt butter slowly into oil to prevent burning and maintain a silky sauce. Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the most flavorful results.
Tossing the pasta with a little reserved pasta water can help the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Finally, add lemon juice at the end to brighten the richness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides.
A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complements the buttery richness of the pasta.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
For a dinner party, consider a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which balances the seafood flavors beautifully.
For a family meal, simply plating the pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley makes it visually appealing and satisfying.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can overcook the shrimp.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta without shrimp for up to a month, then add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.
Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating, especially the lemon and salt, to refresh the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess water, which can make the sauce watery.
2. Can I use a different pasta type?
Absolutely. While fettuccine works best for holding the sauce, spaghetti, linguine, or even penne can be used. Adjust cooking times to match the pasta type.
3. How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook very quickly, typically 4–6 minutes depending on size. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque with a pink hue. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but it’s best to cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving. You can make the garlic butter sauce in advance and reheat gently with the shrimp to save time.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and skip Parmesan or use a vegan cheese. The flavors will remain rich and satisfying, though slightly different in texture.
