Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a timeless, comforting dish that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor.

Juicy shrimp, gently sautéed in butter and olive oil with plenty of garlic, come together with tender pasta and fragrant herbs to form a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Rich yet fresh, bold yet balanced, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or anytime you crave a satisfying pasta with classic Mediterranean character.

Why People Will Love Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

Bold garlic-forward flavor – Generous amounts of fresh garlic infuse the butter and olive oil, creating a rich, aromatic base that coats every strand of pasta.

Juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly and stay tender and succulent, adding a light yet satisfying protein that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Simple ingredients, big payoff – Pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes restaurant-quality with minimal effort.

Rich yet balanced sauce – Butter adds depth and richness, while pasta water brings silkiness and balance, preventing the dish from feeling greasy or dry.

Quick and weeknight-friendly – Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you still want something homemade and special.

Customizable to personal taste – Easily adjusted with herbs, red pepper flakes, or extra garlic to suit different flavor preferences.

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Familiar flavors and comforting textures make it a hit with both kids and adults.

Feels elegant without the fuss – This dish looks and tastes impressive but requires no complicated techniques, making it perfect for both casual dinners and entertaining.

Key Ingredients:

Shrimp – The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and stay tender, offering a delicate sweetness and juicy bite that pairs beautifully with garlic and butter.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides the bold, aromatic backbone of the sauce, infusing the oil and butter with rich, savory depth.

Butter – Butter adds luxurious richness and a silky mouthfeel, helping the sauce cling to the pasta and shrimp.

Olive oil – A small amount of olive oil balances the butter, preventing heaviness while adding subtle fruitiness.

Pasta – Tender pasta acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up the garlic-infused sauce and carrying flavor in every bite.

Pasta cooking water – Often overlooked, this starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, glossy finish without extra cream.

Italian seasoning and herbs – These add gentle warmth and herbal brightness, rounding out the dish with classic Mediterranean character.

Red pepper flakes – Optional but impactful, they introduce a light heat that enhances the garlic without overpowering the shrimp.

Expert Tips:

Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking
Removing surface moisture helps the shrimp sear instead of steaming, giving better flavor and texture.

Don’t overcook the shrimp
Shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery and dulls their sweetness.

Add garlic after the shrimp start cooking
Garlic burns quickly. Let the shrimp take on heat first, then add garlic so it becomes fragrant without turning bitter.

Use medium heat, not high
Medium heat allows butter to melt gently and garlic to bloom without scorching, keeping the sauce smooth and aromatic.

Salt the pasta water generously
Well-seasoned pasta water is essential—it flavors the pasta from within and improves the final balance of the dish.

Reserve pasta water before draining
This starchy liquid is key to creating a silky sauce that binds the butter, oil, and seasonings together.

Add pasta water gradually
Start with a small splash and toss continuously. The sauce should coat the pasta lightly—not pool at the bottom of the pan.

Finish the pasta in the skillet
Tossing everything together over gentle heat allows the pasta to absorb flavor and brings the dish together cohesively.

Season at the very end
Butter, shrimp, and pasta water all contain salt. Taste first, then adjust salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.

Serve immediately
Garlic shrimp pasta is at its best right off the stove, when the shrimp are juicy and the sauce is glossy and light.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed

1 lb pasta (more or less, depending on family size)

6 -8 garlic cloves, according to personal taste, minced

1/4 cup butter

olive oil (3 drizzles)

italian seasoning

fresh ground pepper

red pepper flakes

salt

herbs (according to taste)

Instructions:

Boil pasta in water till tender, save 1 cup of pasta water for use later. I always put some oil, salt, and fresh herbs in with my pasta when I boil it. Drain and set aside when done.

While pasta is boiling, wash shrimp.

Melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp.

Let cook till a little pink and starting to curl. Then add garlic.

Cook 5-7 min., add oil. Continue to stir till shrimp is pink and curled.

Add pasta to skillet. Add seasonings. Add just enough saved pasta water till it is not dry but not swimming in liquid either. Depending on amount of pasta this requires 1/2 the cup or all of it. Start with adding 1/4 of it then work up from there.

Keep tossing all ingredients around in skillet till all is incorporated and hot.

Important Notes When Making Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

Shrimp cook extremely fast – Timing is critical. Even an extra minute can turn tender shrimp tough, so stay close to the stove and watch for color and curl.

Garlic is the flavor driver – Burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter. Always add it once the shrimp have begun to cook and keep the heat moderate.

Butter and oil work together – Butter provides richness, while olive oil stabilizes it and prevents scorching. Using both creates better flavor and texture than either alone.

Pasta water is essential, not optional – The starch in pasta water emulsifies the sauce, giving it body and shine without adding cream.

Seasoning builds gradually – Pasta water, shrimp, and butter all contain salt. Taste throughout cooking and make final adjustments at the end.

Herbs should complement, not dominate – Use dried or fresh herbs sparingly so they enhance the shrimp and garlic rather than overpower them.

Red pepper flakes add balance – Even a small amount of heat heightens the garlic flavor and cuts through the richness.

Best enjoyed fresh – This dish is at its peak immediately after cooking. Shrimp can lose tenderness if reheated aggressively.

Reheating requires care – If reheating, do so gently over low heat with a splash of water or butter to maintain moisture.

Ingredient quality matters – With so few components, fresh shrimp, real butter, and good olive oil make a noticeable difference.

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Recipe

Pork Tenderloin Marsala

Baked Red Chile Ground Beef Taquitos

How to Enjoy Garlic Shrimp Pasta After Cooking

Serve immediately while hot
Garlic shrimp pasta is at its absolute best right off the stove, when the shrimp are juicy, the garlic is fragrant, and the sauce is silky and glossy.

Toss once more before plating
Give the pasta a final gentle toss in the skillet to recoat everything evenly with the garlic butter sauce before serving.

Plate thoughtfully
Use shallow bowls or wide plates to showcase the shrimp and allow the sauce to pool lightly around the pasta rather than soak it completely.

Finish with simple garnishes
Add freshly cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes to enhance aroma and visual appeal.

Add a bright contrast
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the table can lift the richness and sharpen the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.

Pair with complementary sides
Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or pair with a crisp green salad to balance the buttery richness.

Enjoy as a complete meal
With protein, pasta, and sauce all in one, this dish is satisfying on its own and doesn’t require heavy sides.

Eat slowly and savor the textures
Appreciate the contrast between tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and the light, aromatic sauce.

Handle leftovers gently
If reheating, warm slowly over low heat with a splash of water, butter, or olive oil to restore moisture without overcooking the shrimp.

Best enjoyed fresh, but flexible
While leftovers are still tasty, this dish shines brightest when freshly cooked—perfect for relaxed dinners or casual entertaining.

Nutrition Information:

Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the recipe serves about 4.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe.

Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen shrimp can release more moisture.

Can I substitute the spaghetti noodles with another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne would work well with this recipe.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference.

If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Conversely, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or even some additional freshly ground black pepper.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh and hot, you can certainly prepare some components in advance.

You can cook the shrimp and garlic mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp and garlic mixture, cook the pasta, and combine everything together as per the instructions.

How do I store leftovers of this Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as it may thicken upon cooling.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Answer: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque with a slightly firm texture.

Be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but add them towards the end of cooking, just to heat them through.

Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them tough.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs, but use them sparingly as their flavors are more concentrated.

Typically, you would use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning?

Add the garlic to the skillet once the shrimp are partially cooked.

This ensures that the garlic cooks quickly without burning.

Stirring frequently also helps prevent burning.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the shrimp and using vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach as a substitute.

Is it necessary to save pasta water?

Saving pasta water is recommended as it contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce and bind the ingredients together.

However, if you forget to save it, you can use regular water or broth as a substitute.

How do I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Taste the dish as you add seasonings and adjust according to your preference.

You can increase or decrease the amount of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or herbs to suit your taste buds.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Just be mindful of the cooking time needed for the vegetables.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use other types of oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even coconut oil if you prefer.

However, olive oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional spaghetti noodles?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for traditional spaghetti noodles.

Just be aware that whole wheat pasta may have a different texture and flavor, and gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.

Adjust accordingly.