This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that brings together tender shrimp, bold garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a buttery olive oil sauce. It’s light but satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish delivers bold flavor and comforting texture in every bite. Pair it with a crisp salad, some crusty bread, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
Ingredients
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1 lb medium shrimp (deveined, tails removed)
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1 lb spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
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6–8 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ cup butter
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3 drizzles olive oil
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Italian seasoning (to taste)
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Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
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Red pepper flakes (to taste)
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Salt (to taste)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 drizzles of olive oil and ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Drizzle with another splash of olive oil and toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta.
Step 5: Serve immediately
Transfer to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with extra black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Variation
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup Parmesan for a creamy twist
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White Wine Sauce: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding the shrimp
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Veggie Add-Ins: Add baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients
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Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta
Cooking Note
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Don’t overcook the shrimp—once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done
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Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; pre-minced may lack punch
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For stronger garlic flavor, add a clove or two more
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If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before cooking
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If making ahead, store shrimp and pasta separately to avoid sogginess
Tips
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Toss pasta immediately with the shrimp to absorb the sauce flavor
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Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for freshness
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For a richer finish, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end
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Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth
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Pairs beautifully with white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 590mg
Note: Values may vary based on pasta and shrimp size
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through, or they may become rubbery.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair are great options. You can also use penne or farfalle for a chunkier texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Try spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers sautéed with the garlic.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly, depending on how much red pepper you use. You can omit it for a milder version or increase it for more heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil only and skip the butter. You can also use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Conclusion
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is simple, flavorful, and elegant—perfect for when you want something fast but impressive. The garlic-infused butter and olive oil create a rich, silky coating that clings to the pasta and shrimp, delivering savory satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or treating yourself, this dish is always a hit. With endless ways to customize and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
1 lb medium shrimp (deveined, tails removed)
-
1 lb spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
-
6–8 garlic cloves, minced
-
¼ cup butter
-
3 drizzles olive oil
-
Italian seasoning (to taste)
-
Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
-
Red pepper flakes (to taste)
-
Salt (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 drizzles of olive oil and ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Drizzle with another splash of olive oil and toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta.
Step 5: Serve immediately
Transfer to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with extra black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
-
Don’t overcook the shrimp—once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done
-
Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; pre-minced may lack punch
-
For stronger garlic flavor, add a clove or two more
-
If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before cooking
-
If making ahead, store shrimp and pasta separately to avoid sogginess
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20min
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g