shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce, served over pasta.

Buttery Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce served over pasta is a classic comfort meal that feels both luxurious and easy to make. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant weekend dinner. The flavors are simple yet bold, letting the natural sweetness of shrimp shine through.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 250 grams pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best)

• Water for boiling

• 1 tablespoon salt

For the shrimp:

• 400 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6–8 garlic cloves, finely minced

• ½ cup fresh cream or heavy cream

• ¼ cup pasta cooking water

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt generously; the water should taste slightly salty. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Season and Cook the Shrimp
   Pat the shrimp dry using kitchen paper. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika or chili flakes if you prefer a little heat. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
   In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and olive oil together. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30–40 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Make It Creamy
   Pour in the cream and stir gently. Add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Combine Shrimp and Pasta
   Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix well so every strand is covered in the buttery garlic sauce.

6. Finish the Dish
   Stir in Parmesan cheese if using, and add lemon juice for freshness. Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Serving Tips and Variations

• You can add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

• For a spicy version, increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.