GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA RECIPE

Skinny Garlic Shrimp Pasta


Skinny Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A light, lemony pasta tossed with juicy shrimp, garlic, herbs, white wine, and a touch of Parmesan—delivering full flavor without the heaviness of a cream sauce.


Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti, thin spaghetti, or angel-hair pasta

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon light butter (or 2 tsp regular butter)

  • 5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or seafood broth

  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or additional broth + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but adds freshness)

  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Extra lemon wedges, for serving


Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

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

  2. Cook your pasta until just al dente—thin pasta cooks quickly, so check early.

  3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water (this helps emulsify the sauce).

  4. Drain and set aside.


2. Sauté the shrimp

  1. Heat the olive oil and light butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30–45 seconds, not browning.

  3. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  4. Cook for 1½–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

  5. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.


3. Build the light garlic-lemon sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the wine and broth.

  2. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits for flavor.

  3. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and tomatoes (if using).

  4. Simmer 2–3 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.

  5. Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted (optional).


4. Finish the pasta

  1. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet.

  2. Toss gently to coat with the sauce.

  3. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if you want a silkier, lighter coating.

  4. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss again.

  5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.


Tips for Keeping It Skinny

  • Use whole-wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.

  • Light butter adds creaminess with less fat, but you can omit it and use all olive oil.

  • Shrimp cooks fast—pull it off heat early to keep it tender and reduce the need for added fats.

  • Lemon zest + juice provide bright flavor with minimal calories.


Flavor Variations

  • Skinny Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the shrimp.

  • Extra Veggie Version: Add sliced zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli florets during the sauce stage.

  • Skinny Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Stir in 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt off-heat for creaminess.

  • Mediterranean Style: Add capers, chopped olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.


Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

  • Add roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.

  • Pair with sparkling water with lemon or lime.


Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a tablespoon of broth or water—avoid overcooking the shrimp.

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients
  • 8 oz uncooked multigrain angel hair (capellini) pasta or spaghetti
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup) 
  • 1 1/2 lb fresh medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and tail shells removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or Progresso™ reduced-sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
  • 1/4 cup Progresso™ reduced-sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1 In 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, cook pasta as directed on package. Drain; return to saucepan. Stir in spinach, tomatoes and 2 teaspoons of the oil. Cover to keep warm.

2 While pasta is cooking, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 1 minute. Add shrimp, garlic and pepper flakes; cook and stir 2 minutes.

3 Stir in wine, broth, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes or until shrimp are pink and firm. Remove from heat; stir in parsley and butter until butter is melted. Add shrimp mixture to pasta mixture in saucepan; toss to mix. Enjoy it!

VIDEO:

Garlic Shrimp Pasta-Recipe


Garlic Shrimp Pasta-Recipe

🌿 Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Serves: 3–4
Total Time: 20 minutes


Ingredients

  • 300–350 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

  • 300–400 g shrimp, peeled & deveined

  • 4–6 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • ½ lemon (juice + zest)

  • ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Grated Parmesan (optional)


Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Cook pasta until al dente.

  • Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, drain the rest.


2. Season and cook the shrimp

  • Pat shrimp dry.

  • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

  • Heat a large pan over medium heat with olive oil + 1 tbsp butter.

  • Add shrimp and cook 1½–2 minutes per side, until pink.

  • Remove shrimp and set aside.


3. Make the garlic butter sauce

  • In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter.

  • Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

  • Add red pepper flakes if using.

  • Pour in a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.


4. Combine

  • Add pasta to the pan.

  • Add shrimp back in.

  • Squeeze in lemon juice, add zest, and toss well.

  • Adjust with more pasta water if it needs more sauce.

  • Season with salt & pepper to taste.


5. Serve

  • Top with chopped parsley.

  • Add Parmesan if desired.

  • Serve warm.


⭐ Tips

  • Don’t overcook shrimp — it becomes rubbery quickly.

  • Fresh garlic makes a huge flavor difference.

  • Add a splash of white wine before pasta water for a scampi-style version.


OTHER Ingredients

* 1 Pound Spaghetti (or Linguine)
* 1 Pound Medium Shrimp, Cleaned And Deveined, And Coarsely Chopped
* 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
* 1/2 Cup Butter
* 1 Cup White Wine
* 3 Cloves Garlic, Finely Chopped
* 1/4 Cup Parsley
* Salt & Pepper
* Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

1. Put the pasta on to cook.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet.
3. Add the shrimp, garlic, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
4. After a minute or two, as soon as the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the pan.
5. Add butter and wine in the skillet and turn the heat up to medium high.
6. Cook until it has reduced by half.
7. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook until heated through.
9. Add the parsley and mix.
10. Add the pasta, and cook another minute or two over high heat.
11. If it seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
12. Serve piping hot, garnishing with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy !



Amazing Garlic Shrimp Pasta


Amazing Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Here’s a delicious Amazing Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe — with a few variations (light, creamy, lemony) depending on your mood. Feel’s fancy but is pretty easy to make!


🧄 Garlic Shrimp Pasta — Basic Recipe

Serves: ~ 4
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min

Ingredients

  • 300–400 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite)

  • 300–400 g shrimp, peeled & deveined

  • 4–6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

  • ½ lemon (juice + zest) — optional, for brightness

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta

    • Boil a large pot of water, add salt, then cook the pasta until al dente.

    • Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining (this helps later with the sauce).

  2. Prepare the shrimp

    • Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel (this helps them sear nicely).

    • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

  3. Make the garlic sauce

    • Heat a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil + butter.

    • When the butter melts, add the minced garlic, and sauté until it's fragrant (but don’t burn it).

    • Optional: add red pepper flakes here if you want heat.

  4. Cook the shrimp

    • Add the shrimp to the pan with garlic.

    • Cook ~2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.

  5. Combine pasta and sauce

    • Add the cooked pasta into the pan.

    • Pour in some of the reserved pasta water to help make a silky sauce and help everything cling together.

    • Toss well so pasta gets coated in garlic butter and shrimp flavor.

  6. Finish & serve

    • Squeeze in the lemon juice, and add the lemon zest if using.

    • Taste and adjust salt / pepper.

    • Turn off heat, then stir in chopped parsley.

    • Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if you like).


💡 Variations to Try

  • Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Use heavy cream or whipping cream + chicken (or vegetable) broth + parmesan to make a rich, creamy sauce. Gourmet Martha+1

  • Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add more lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Sip and Feast

  • Scampi-style Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Use white wine in the sauce (let it reduce), then add butter and parsley at the end. Chef Billy Parisi+1

  • Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes, or add a diced chili when sautéing garlic.


🔪 Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook very quickly and get rubbery if left too long.

  • Reserve pasta water! It’s magic for making sauce silky and binding everything.

  • Use fresh garlic — it’s far more aromatic than garlic powder.

  • If your sauce is too thick, loosen it with more pasta water; if too thin, reduce the heat a little to evaporate.


ANOTHER RECIPES
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Spaghetti (or linguine)
  • 1 lb Shrimp medium , cleaned and deveined, and coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1 cup White Wine
  • 3 Cloves Of Garlic , finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Cayenne Pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Put the pasta on to cook.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet.
3. Add the shrimp, garlic, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
4. After a minute or two, as soon as the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the pan.
5. Add butter and wine in the skillet and turn the heat up to medium high.
6. Cook until it has reduced by half.
7. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook until heated through.
9. Add the parsley and mix.
10. Add the pasta, and cook another minute or two over high heat.
11. If it seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
12. Serve piping hot, garnishing with additional fresh parsley if desired.

VIDEO:


Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipes


Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipes

Here are three amazing Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipes — from classic buttery style to creamy and Mediterranean-inspired. Each one uses simple ingredients but delivers rich, restaurant-quality flavor 🍝🦐


🇮🇹 1. Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Ready in: 25 minutes

🍽 Serves: 2–3

Ingredients:

  • 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 300 g (10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.

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

  3. Add garlic and chili flakes; cook for 30 seconds.

  4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.

  5. Add lemon juice and a splash of pasta water. Toss in pasta and Parmesan.

  6. Mix until coated and glossy. Garnish with parsley.

Light, garlicky, and perfect for quick dinners.


🧄 2. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Ready in: 30 minutes

🍽 Serves: 3

Ingredients:

  • 250 g (8 oz) fettuccine or linguine

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 300 g (10 oz) shrimp, cleaned

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

  2. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil; sauté garlic until fragrant.

  3. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika; cook until pink. Remove shrimp.

  4. Pour in cream and Parmesan; simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).

  5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use pasta water to thin if needed.

  6. Stir in shrimp and parsley.

🥛 Creamy, rich, and perfect comfort food.


🌿 3. Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Ready in: 25 minutes

🍽 Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 200 g (7 oz) whole wheat spaghetti

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 300 g (10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼ cup black olives, sliced

  • 2 cups fresh spinach

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 tsp dried oregano or basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Feta cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta and set aside.

  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and garlic; sauté until fragrant.

  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.

  4. Toss in spinach, olives, oregano, and lemon juice.

  5. Add pasta and mix well. Season to taste.

  6. Top with feta cheese and serve.

🌞 Fresh, zesty, and heart-healthy — inspired by Mediterranean flavors.


💡 Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook fast (1–2 minutes per side).

  • Always use fresh garlic, not powder, for real flavor.

  • Reserve pasta water — it helps create a silky sauce.

  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.


VIDEO:


Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta


Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Here’s a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe — creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make! 🍤🍝


🍝 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Total Time:

20–25 minutes

🍽️ Servings:

2–3 people


🧄 Ingredients:

For the pasta:

  • 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine

  • Salt (for boiling water)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the garlic butter shrimp:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 300 g (10 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for spice)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

  • Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)

  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh is best)

Optional add-ins (for creaminess):

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)


👨‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

    • Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and drizzle pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

  2. Sauté the Shrimp:

    • In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

    • Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

    • Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp butter (if needed).

    • Add minced garlic and red chili flakes; sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn).

    • Add lemon juice and a splash of the reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup).

    • Optional: Stir in cream and Parmesan for a rich, velvety sauce.

  4. Combine Everything:

    • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it with the garlic butter sauce.

    • Add back the shrimp and mix gently until everything is heated through.

    • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more lemon juice if desired.

  5. Serve:

    • Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or a light drizzle of olive oil.

    • Serve immediately while hot.


💡 Tips & Variations

  • Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrients.

  • Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken if preferred.

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier version.

  • If you love spice, add a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a bold twist.


🌿 Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

  • Calories: ~450–500 kcal

  • Protein: 30 g

  • Carbohydrates: 40 g

  • Healthy fats from olive oil and shrimp


VIDEO: 


GREAT GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA


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



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.