If you’re short on time but still want something that tastes amazing, this garlic butter shrimp pasta is your new go-to. It’s quick, rich in flavor, and feels like a fancy dinner without the effort. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant.

The magic in this dish comes from the buttery garlic sauce that coats each bite of pasta and shrimp. This recipe uses simple ingredients, takes almost no time, and gives you a meal that’s cozy, classy, and completely satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a partner, or the whole family, this meal works every time. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s ready in just 15 minutes

• Uses everyday ingredients

• Shrimp cooks fast and tastes amazing

• Only one pot and one pan needed

• Easy to customize with veggies, spice, or cream

• Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for Monday night

What You’ll Need

• Shrimp – fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined

• Garlic – the flavor base

• Butter – for that rich, smooth texture

• Lemon – for brightness

• Pasta – spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite

• Parsley – for color and freshness

• Chili flakes and parmesan – optional but tasty

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chili flakes (optional)

• Grated parmesan (optional)

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Step 1 – Cook your pasta
Boil a pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the shrimp
Melt butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

Step 3 – Combine it all
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in lemon juice and add chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat the pasta. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4 – Serve and enjoy
Top with parmesan and more parsley if you like. Serve warm.

Serving Ideas

Pair this garlic butter shrimp pasta with:

• Garlic bread

• A side salad

• Roasted asparagus or broccoli

• Sparkling water or white wine

Want more flavor? Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or a little cream at the end for a silky twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of butter or water. Avoid microwaving too long or the shrimp will get rubbery. Not recommended for freezing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use a plant-based butter and skip the cheese.

What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, penne, or rotini are also great.

Can I make it spicy?
Definitely. Just add more chili flakes during cooking.

Chef Aiden’s Tip

Right before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of your garlic butter shrimp pasta, and add a small pinch of freshly grated lemon zest. This simple step enhances the flavors beautifully — the olive oil gives the dish a silky finish, while the lemon zest adds a fresh, citrusy aroma that brings everything to life. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish and make it look (and taste!) like something straight off a restaurant menu. Trust me, those little touches make a big difference!