GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA RECIPE: 2025

GREAT GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a simple and quick pasta dish ideal for a weekday meal. It features savory, tender shrimp sizzling in a garlic butter sauce, complemented by light and fluffy spaghetti. This dish is a family favorite that I can typically prepare in just 15 minutes.

How to prepare garlic shrimp spaghetti

Begin by cooking the shrimp with salt and red pepper flakes in butter until they are fully cooked. Flip the shrimp to cook the other side, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook the remaining garlic and butter, adding lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Use a whisk to blend the sauce and scrape up any remnants from the shrimp.

Next, add the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce thoroughly coats the spaghetti.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and garnish with parsley before serving.

Tips for preparing the recipe

Cook the pasta al dente. This is important because you will be tossing it with the sauce and shrimp for a few minutes after it is done cooking, and you want to ensure it does not become too soggy.

Thaw and dry frozen shrimp before cooking. I prefer purchasing frozen shrimp, so after thawing, I always make sure to pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the searing process.

Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes of cooking, and overcooking will make them chewy. Cook until they are opaque and pink in color.

For a creamier texture, consider using milk instead of pasta water. I prefer to keep it light with lemon juice and pasta water, as the garlic and butter provide excellent flavor. However, milk is also a viable option!

Frequently asked questions

What type of pasta can you use for this dish?

I enjoy making this dish with long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine, but you can use whatever you have available. Penne and shells would also work well. Opt for whole grain pasta for added fiber and to reduce the calorie content.

What accompaniments pair well with shrimp pasta?

A generous serving of this pasta dish stands well on its own, yet I prefer to present a smaller serving alongside a crisp Caesar salad. Additionally, consider trying my olive oil garlic bread as a delightful side!

How long can shrimp pasta be stored?

This pasta is ideally enjoyed immediately after cooking. Should you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for enjoyment the following day.

Garlic butter shrimp pasta presented in a bowl garnished with parsley and parmesan cheese.

This garlic shrimp spaghetti recipe is perfect for a quick and effortless weeknight dinner. It is family-friendly and bursting with flavor!

Additional pasta recipes:

Easy Baked Spaghetti
Baked Pasta with Ground Turkey
Arrabiata Pasta with Shrimp
Healthy Shrimp Scampi
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Cheese Stuffed Shells
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi

If you have tried this healthier Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe or any other recipe from Feel Good Foodie, please remember to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I would be eager to hear about your cooking experience. If you captured any photos, feel free to share them with me on Instagram so I can feature them in my stories!

Notes

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container. They will remain fresh for approximately 3 days in the refrigerator.

Substitutes: For optimal results, adhere to the recipe as written. However, here are some common substitutes that may work well in this dish.

To create a gluten-free version, you may opt for any gluten-free pasta of your choice.

To enhance the creaminess of the sauce, consider adding some milk in place of a portion of the water.

Ingredients

12 oz FETTUCINE
9 oz SHRIMP (I USED THE SALAD SHRIMP)
8 oz FAT FREE CREAM CHEESE
1/2 CUP PARMESAN
5 CLOVES GARLIC
1/4 CUP FINELY CHOPPED ONION
1 CUP FAT FREE,LOW SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH

INSTRUCTIONS :

COOK FETTUCINE AS DIRECTED ON PACKAGE.
HEAT SKILLET, PUT IN GARLIC, ONION AND SHRIMP.FRY 1-2 MINUTES.ADD CREAM CHEESE AND CHICKEN BROTH, COOK-STIR 3 TO 4 MINUTES, UNTIL CREAM CHEESE IS MELTED AND MIXTURE IS WELL BLENDED. ADD PARMESAN CHEESE, STIR. DRAIN PASTA PLACE IN LARGE BOWL, ADD SHRIMP MIXTURE, STIR WELL AND SERVE. ENJOY IT !

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is a sophisticated dish bursting with flavor! It is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal as it can be ready in just 15 minutes. This dish is perfect for a romantic date night, a special celebration, or a family gathering. Regardless of the occasion, it is sure to be a hit!

A close-up image of shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic, combined with a rich creamy sauce and pasta.

Tender shrimp infused with butter and garlic, sizzling in a delicious cream sauce, and mixed with perfectly al dente pasta. This is where the dreams of every pasta enthusiast come to life ❤️ The inspiration for this shrimp pasta arose one evening when I decided to incorporate shrimp into my garlic butter pasta for dinner. I also had some cream that needed to be used, so I added a splash for added creaminess and depth, resulting in this delightful recipe!

It is remarkably simple, yet when you present it to someone special, it will appear as though you invested significant effort into its preparation. The taste of this garlicky shrimp pasta combined with the cream sauce is simply extraordinary, and the textures are impeccable!

This creamy shrimp pasta is luxurious without being overly heavy. Moreover, it is considerably healthier than what you would typically find at a restaurant, as we all know that restaurant dishes are often rich in butter, oil, and salt. However, this recipe is lighter, healthier, and still incredibly flavorful!

If you are interested in exploring more creamy pasta recipes, be sure to check out my creamy lemon pasta. It is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta

Here is a list of what you will need to create this simple yet elegant creamy shrimp pasta:

Shrimp – Opt for high-quality raw frozen shrimp that is already peeled, or you can peel and devein it yourself. Any size of shrimp is suitable as long as you avoid overcooking it. If you have cooked shrimp available in the refrigerator, you can use that as well. I have a comprehensive tutorial on how to poach shrimp and serve it with a homemade cocktail sauce. Leftovers are also excellent for this pasta dish!

Olive oil, butter, and garlic – these ingredients are the primary sources of flavor.

Pasta – any long strand pasta of your preference; I opted for linguine.

Cream – heavy cream (known as double cream in the UK) is ideal for this recipe, as its fat content emulsifies with the reserved pasta cooking water, resulting in a luxurious silky cream sauce that adheres to the pasta. You may substitute with half and half (single cream), but be aware that your sauce will be thinner and will require more time to thicken.

Parmesan – procure the finest parmesan available! It imparts the umami/savory flavor essential for the sauce and also aids in thickening the cream sauce.

Optional seasoning – I utilize homemade old bay seasoning due to its excellent compatibility with seafood, enhancing the pasta's flavor. Alternatively, you may use cajun or smoked paprika if preferred.

Salt, pepper, and parsley.

A complete list of ingredients and their quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta ingredients

How to Prepare Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Begin by boiling water in a medium-sized saucepan and adding salt. Introduce your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the remaining pasta.

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and incorporate olive oil. Sauté the shrimp for one minute, then season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning or paprika if desired.

Continue cooking the shrimp until it turns pink. If you are concerned about overcooking, do this in batches. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to deglaze the pan.

Incorporate parmesan, allowing it to melt, then thin the sauce with the reserved pasta water and let it simmer for one minute. Taste the sauce to determine if additional salt and pepper are necessary.

Toss the pasta with the sauce until it is thoroughly coated. Reintroduce the shrimp to gently reheat, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Steps to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Top Recommendations

Cook the pasta until it is just al dente. You will combine the pasta with the sauce over gentle heat, and it is important to avoid overcooking the pasta.

If you opt to cook the shrimp from frozen, some liquid will be released, which is acceptable as it will take approximately one minute to simmer down (not enough to overcook the shrimp). However, it is advisable to completely thaw the shrimp prior to cooking to ensure it is as dry as possible for optimal results.

Remember to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water; it is quite starchy and excellent for loosening the sauce. You will likely need much less than a cup, but to be cautious, I always reserve one cup and drain the excess.

This pasta yields four standard servings or three larger ones.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta prepared in a stainless steel Le Creuset pan.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Apply the same method if using a microwave.

Freezer: Freezing this creamy shrimp pasta is not recommended.

Accompaniments for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

I enjoy serving this shrimp pasta with a simple side salad or a homemade Caesar salad. Homemade breadsticks are ideal for soaking up the sauce, and roasted vegetables would complement it perfectly. Depending on the vegetables you have, choose your preferred side dish.

Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is a sophisticated dish bursting with flavor! It is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner as it can be ready in just 15 minutes. Serve this for a romantic date night, a special occasion, or as a family meal. Regardless of the setting, it is sure to be a hit!

INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound vermicelli pasta
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
* 3 tablespoons minced garlic
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water with vegetable oil until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, place the shrimp in boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes, just until they turn pink. Cooking
time will depend on the size of the shrimp. Remove the tails, and place in a bowl of warm water.
3. In a microwave safe bowl, mix butter or margarine and minced garlic. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, or until melted. Stir.
4. Drain pasta, and transfer to a serving dish. Toss with garlic butter and shrimp. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. The garlic shrimp pasta recipe is ready serve warm.
garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe.