This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that combines succulent shrimp with rich, buttery flavors and tender fettuccine.
Packed with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from butter and olive oil, it’s both nutritious and indulgent.
Low in carbs and high in flavor, it’s perfect for easy, everyday cooking or meal prep.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet or pan (for cooking shrimp and sauce)
- 1 knife (for mincing garlic and zesting lemon)
- 1 cutting board
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ lemon juice from ¼ lemon
- ¼ tsp lemon zest from ¼ lemon
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of sea salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Salting the water properly ensures that the pasta is flavorful from the start.
- Cook the Fettuccine: Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
- Prepare the Garlic Base: While the pasta cooks, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Cook just until fragrant—avoid browning, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Melt Butter for the Sauce: Reduce the heat slightly and add the butter to the pan with the garlic.Allow the butter to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. This creates a rich, silky base for the shrimp and helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Spread them evenly in a single layer so each piece gets proper contact with the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the shrimp begins to turn pink and opaque. Flip each shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye—overcooked shrimp become rubbery and chewy.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Once the shrimp are just cooked through, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently until the cheese melts and combines with the butter and shrimp juices, forming a light, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine directly into the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss carefully with tongs or a large spoon to ensure each strand of pasta is coated evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, silky consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving platter or individual plates. Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the shrimp and creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Sit back and savor your homemade garlic butter shrimp pasta. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
Notes
- Prepare all ingredients before starting, as the shrimp cooks very quickly.
- Use a combination of butter and oil to prevent the butter from burning.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; cook until they turn opaque pink for tender, juicy results.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Add fresh lemon juice and zest at the end to brighten the rich, buttery flavors.
- Lightly sauté garlic first to avoid bitterness and develop a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Stir the pasta and sauce gently to ensure even coating without breaking the noodles.
Chef’s Secrets For Flavorful Pasta
The key to this dish is balancing richness and freshness.
Start by lightly sautéing garlic in oil before adding butter—this prevents burning and deepens the flavor.
When cooking shrimp, ensure they are spaced evenly in the pan; overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than sear.
Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest at the end brightens the buttery sauce, cutting through the richness while keeping the flavors vibrant.
For an extra touch, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to deepen the flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
Serve this pasta immediately while warm, as the sauce clings best to hot noodles.
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the remaining buttery sauce.
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor profile.
This dish also works well for casual dinners or special occasions alike.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the silky sauce.
Avoid microwaving at high power, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
The pasta is not ideal for freezing, as the shrimp may become tough upon thawing.
Always reheat only what you plan to serve immediately to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Make sure to thaw completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking to avoid steaming instead of sautéing.
2. Can I substitute fettuccine with other pasta?
Absolutely! Linguine, spaghetti, or even penne can be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to maintain the perfect al dente texture.
3. How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp on medium heat just until they turn opaque pink, usually 4–6 minutes total depending on size. Remove immediately once done, as they continue cooking slightly from residual heat.
4. Can I make this dish creamier?
Yes! Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese after adding the parmesan for a richer, creamier sauce. Adjust seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.
5. Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?
You can prep the shrimp and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Cook pasta fresh or slightly undercook it if storing. Reheat gently, combining pasta and sauce just before serving for best results.
