Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Warm Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love making Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta on busy weeknights when I want something quick yet decadent. The buttery garlic sauce beautifully coats the tender shrimp and pasta, creating a dish that feels indulgent while being surprisingly simple to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a plate that's bursting with flavor and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll cherish how easy it is to whip up this delicious meal.

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:04:37.483Z

When I first attempted Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. Using fresh shrimp and a simple butter sauce, I was able to create a delicious meal that tasted like it came from a restaurant. I learned that the key to perfect shrimp is not to overcook them—they should only take a few minutes to become tender and succulent.

One tip I found invaluable was to use a good quality butter, as it significantly enhances the flavor of the dish. Additionally, don’t forget to toss in some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor combined with succulent shrimp
Creamy texture that perfectly balances with the pasta
Quick to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights

Understanding the Sauce

The sauce in Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a vital component that transforms the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of butter and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture that clings beautifully to both the shrimp and pasta. Be sure to keep the heat at medium when adding the garlic to prevent it from burning; burnt garlic can turn bitter, ruining the sauce's delicate flavor.

Chicken broth adds depth and enhances the savoriness of the dish, so don’t skimp on it. For a vegetarian alternative, you can substitute vegetable broth, although this will slightly alter the flavor profile. Adding little by little the reserved pasta water allows for better control over the consistency of your sauce—if it’s too thick, the water will help loosen it up without diluting the flavor.

Shrimp Selection and Preparation

Using fresh shrimp can elevate your meal significantly, but frozen shrimp are a convenient and budget-friendly alternative. If you go with frozen, be sure to thaw them fully before cooking, ideally in the refrigerator overnight to maintain a firm texture. When deveining shrimp, look for a firm and slightly translucent body; this indicates freshness and prevents the seafood from becoming rubbery as it cooks.

Cooking shrimp requires careful attention; they only need 2–3 minutes in the skillet. The moment they turn pink and opaque, they are cooked through—overcooking can result in tough, chewy shrimp. A tip I like to share is to remove them from the skillet as soon as they are done and add them back at the end to combine with the pasta and sauce, ensuring they stay tender.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

Ingredients

8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

These ingredients will come together to create an unforgettable meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

With just a few simple steps, your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta will be ready to savor!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. This will give the dish a subtle heat that complements the butter and shrimp beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When storing, it's best to separate the pasta and shrimp from the sauce if possible, as the pasta may absorb the sauce and become dry. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revitalize the sauce.

Freezing the dish is not recommended due to the cream and butter; they can separate and alter the texture upon thawing. However, you could prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and freeze them separately before the final step. This way, you keep the flavor intact and can whip up a fresh pasta dish on a busy weeknight.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, a side of garlic bread complements the dish, making it indulgent yet satisfying.

For a little extra flair, consider integrating ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor and nutrients. If you're serving this to guests, drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon just before serving for a fresh finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Linguine and spaghetti are both great options, but you can use any pasta that you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.