Craving a flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? This shrimp pasta recipe is your new weeknight hero! It’s quick, utterly delicious, and brings bright, savory flavors to your table. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into an elegant, satisfying dish in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe truly delivers on taste without the fuss, making gourmet meals accessible for everyone. It makes cooking less daunting and more enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this easy garlic butter shrimp pasta for so many reasons, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation:
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From prep to plate, enjoy a gourmet meal without the lengthy wait time. It’s ideal for busy parents and beginners looking for quick solutions.
- Minimal Cleanup: This recipe requires just one pot for pasta and one pan for the sauce and shrimp, simplifying your after-dinner routine.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: Savor bright, fresh flavors that taste incredibly gourmet, all made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add your favorite vegetables, or change herbs to perfectly suit your personal palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick family dinner or a cozy date night, this dish impresses with ease and flavor.
Ingredients
Crafting this delicious shrimp pasta recipe begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of savory flavor, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that tastes like it took hours, but only requires minutes. This simple list guarantees a fantastic outcome.
- 1 pound of dry spaghetti pasta
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds peeled and deveined 16/20 shrimp
- 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 peeled small-diced shallot
- 1 seeded small-diced Fresno pepper, sub 1 to 2 teaspoons of pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¼ cup finely minced fresh parsley
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta. Any long pasta shape works beautifully.
- Shrimp: While fresh shrimp are always best for flavor, thawed frozen shrimp work perfectly in a pinch. Just ensure they are fully defrosted.
- Heat: Red pepper flakes can easily replace the Fresno pepper for a similar, adjustable kick. Start with a little and add more if you like extra spice.
- Wine: Use chicken or vegetable broth with an extra splash of lemon juice as a fantastic non-alcoholic option. It still provides depth.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano if you prefer a bolder cheese flavor.
- Butter: If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in your dish slightly to avoid over-seasoning.
Equipment
You won’t need a lot of specialized tools to whip up this simple shrimp pasta recipe. Gathering these basic kitchen items before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Plus, with minimal pots and pans, cleanup is a breeze!
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Medium to large saucepan (sauté pan)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Lemon juicer/zester
- Strainer or tongs
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect shrimp pasta recipe:
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve 1 to 1 ½ cups of the starchy pasta water.
- Sear Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium to large saucepan over medium heat for one minute. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, spreading them in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté for no more than 90 seconds per side, just until they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape; it’s okay if they are slightly underdone.
- Remove Shrimp: Immediately transfer the seared shrimp to a clean plate. This prevents overcooking and ensures they remain tender and succulent for your shrimp pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: Return the saucepan to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic, small-diced shallots, and Fresno pepper (or red pepper flakes). Gently season with a pinch of salt and sauté for 45 to 60 seconds until they become fragrant and just begin to lightly brown.
- Deglaze Pan: Squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon into the pan. Immediately pour in the white wine. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reduces by about half, leaving approximately ¾ cup of liquid. This concentrates the flavors for your sauce.
- Form Sauce & Combine Pasta: Add 1 to 1 ½ cups of the reserved pasta water to the pan, along with the unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and the sauce emulsifies. By this time, your pasta should be ready. Strain the pasta and add it directly into the saucepan. Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss vigorously with tongs until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Fold in Shrimp & Finish: Gently fold the cooked shrimp and finely minced fresh parsley into the pasta. Mix just until combined, warming the shrimp through without cooking them further.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish generously with additional minced parsley, the zest of the remaining ½ lemon, and the juice of the final ½ lemon for a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy your homemade garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately!
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Mastering this delicious shrimp pasta with garlic butter is easy with these key pointers:
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Cook until just pink and C-shaped. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. For more expert advice, Bon Appétit shares valuable tips on how to cook shrimp to be juicy, not rubbery.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Ensures a good sear, preventing them from steaming in the pan.
- Season Pasta Water: Adds fundamental flavor directly into the pasta itself, enhancing the whole dish.
- Don’t Rinse Pasta: The starch on cooked pasta helps the sauce cling better to every strand.
- Use Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is crucial for emulsifying your sauce and adjusting its consistency perfectly. Understanding the culinary science behind cooking, Serious Eats explains the role of starchy pasta water in sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary for an even sear and golden crust.
- Season Generously: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
Avoiding these common errors ensures a fantastic meal every time.
Serving, Storage, and Variations for your Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a range of accompaniments.
- Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
- A crisp, fresh green salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness.
- Complement the meal with roasted asparagus or tender steamed broccoli for extra greens.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Place any leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the shrimp tender; avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
Variations
Explore these ideas to customize your dish:
- Add vegetables: Sauté cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or sliced mushrooms with the aromatics.
- Different protein: Substitute shrimp with pan-seared scallops or thinly sliced chicken breast.
- Creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the very end for richness.
- Spicy version: Increase the Fresno pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Fresh herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or dill to vary the flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your meal can help you make informed dietary choices. This delightful shrimp pasta recipe offers a balanced profile of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, ideal for a wholesome meal. Please note that these values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients, brand choices, and portion sizes you use. They provide a helpful general guide for your meal planning.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 250mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of shrimp should I use for this shrimp pasta recipe?
We recommend medium (16/20 count) peeled and deveined shrimp. This size cooks quickly and integrates perfectly with the pasta. - What dry white wine is best for the sauce?
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay work wonderfully. Choose something you enjoy drinking. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw them thoroughly overnight, then pat very dry before searing. - How do I prevent rubbery shrimp?
The key is quick cooking; sear for only 90 seconds per side until just pink and “C”-shaped. Remove them promptly. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Use a little extra olive oil to make up for the fat.
Conclusion
This 30-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta proves that gourmet flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible taste make it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions. With fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can confidently create a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and fuss-free shrimp pasta experience that everyone will love, bringing joy to your table!