GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA RECIPE: Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe


Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe 

 

a fragrant, buttery-garlicky pasta with succulent shrimp, a splash of white wine, touches of lemon, and a smooth, lightly glossy sauce. It’s fast enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.

Ingredients (4 Servings)

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine

  • 1–2 tablespoons kosher salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp & Sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp (21/25 or similar), peeled and deveined

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)

  • 6–7 garlic cloves, minced (use more if you want it very garlicky)

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • ½ cup dry white wine OR seafood/chicken broth

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (if using wine, use less broth)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but delicious)

  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Extra butter or olive oil to finish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

  2. Add a small handful of salt—this seasons the pasta from the inside.

  3. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8–11 minutes depending on the type.

  4. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside.

  5. Drain pasta and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil so it doesn’t clump while you cook the shrimp.

2. Cook the shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry so they sear nicely.

  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.

  3. Add half of the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30–40 seconds.

  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  5. Cook shrimp for 1½–2 minutes per side, just until pink and curled.

  6. Transfer shrimp to a bowl or plate so they don’t overcook.

3. Build the garlic-butter sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon butter.

  2. Add the rest of the garlic and cook until soft and fragrant—don’t let it brown.

  3. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

  4. Add the broth and bring to a gentle boil.

  5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and tomatoes if using.

  6. Let the mixture simmer for 2–4 minutes, reducing to a light, glossy sauce.

4. Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce

  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet.

  2. Toss well so the pasta absorbs the sauce—if needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

  3. Return the shrimp to the pan and gently toss everything together.

  4. Add spinach or arugula and let it wilt into the pasta.

  5. Remove from heat and add Parmesan and parsley.

  6. Taste and adjust seasoning—more lemon, more salt, or an extra pinch of pepper flakes depending on your preference.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • Use fresh garlic—pre-minced jars won’t give the same aroma.

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—pull them off heat early; they continue cooking when mixed into the pasta.

  • Use pasta water wisely—a splash helps the sauce cling and creates a silky finish.

  • Choose your pasta shape—long noodles catch the garlicky sauce beautifully.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

  • Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add ¼ cup cream or 3 tablespoons mascarpone.

  • Tomato-Basil Version: Add more tomatoes and fresh basil.

  • Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Hybrid: Stir in ½ cup half-and-half with Parmesan.

  • Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread or warm crusty baguette.

  • Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad.

  • Finish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Storage

  • Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

OTHER RECIPES

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ingredients 

 * 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed 
 * 1 lb spaghetti noodles (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 

 Garlic Shrimp Pasta INSTRUCTIONS 

 1.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. 
 
2.While pasta is boiling, wash shrimp. 
 
3.Melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp. 

 4.Let cook till a little pink and starting to curl. Then add garlic. 
 
5.Cook 5-7 min., add oil. Continue to stir till shrimp is pink and curled. 
 
6.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. 
 
7.Keep tossing all ingredients around in skillet till all is incorporated and hot. The garlic shrimp pasta recipe is ready...Enjoy! garlic-shrimp-pasta.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Video:



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