If you’re craving a dish that’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight, Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers every time. This recipe combines juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta in a light, flavorful sauce that’s rich without being heavy. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-style meal ready in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of garlic shrimp pasta lies in its balance: succulent shrimp infused with garlic and herbs, a hint of citrus brightness, and pasta that soaks up every bit of savory flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels comforting and impressive all at once.
Ingredients :
Protein & Main Elements
- 12 ounces pasta — Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite long pasta
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined — Medium or large size works best
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced — The star flavor in this dish
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) — For a gentle kick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper — To taste
- Juice of ½ lemon — Adds brightness to the sauce
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional) — For extra citrus aroma
Finishing Touches
- ¼–½ cup chopped fresh parsley — Adds freshness and color
- Grated Parmesan cheese — For serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions :
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente — tender but with a slight bite.
Once cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Saute the Garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter and let the butter melt completely.
Add the minced garlic and, if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for about 1 minute — just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
4. Build the Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest if you’re using it. Give everything a stir so the citrus mingles with the garlic and butter.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
5. Add Fresh Flavor
Toss in the chopped parsley and give the pasta one final stir. This bright, fresh herb brings color and lift to the dish.
6. Serve
Divide the garlic shrimp pasta among plates or bowls. If you like, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.
Conclusion :
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. The combination of garlicky butter, lemon brightness, tender shrimp, and perfectly tossed pasta makes for a meal that’s both comforting and elevated.
Whether you’re feeding family after a long day or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish delivers big flavor without demanding a lot of time or effort. The basic recipe is also incredibly flexible — feel free to add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even red pepper flakes for extra depth. A splash of white wine in the sauce adds another layer of dimension, and finishing with fresh herbs and Parmesan brings it all together beautifully.
Best of all, this meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying dinner that feels special. Creamy yet light, elegant yet simple — Garlic Shrimp Pasta earns a spot in your go-to recipe rotation.
