Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender spaghetti, juicy shrimp, and aromatic garlic in a buttery olive oil sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy date night at home, this pasta is packed with zesty seasoning and fresh herbs for a bold, restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen. If you enjoyed our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, this garlicky seafood twist is bound to become a new favorite!
What is Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish made by sautéing shrimp with garlic in butter and olive oil, then tossing it all with cooked spaghetti and flavorful seasonings. The result is a light but savory pasta that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this shrimp pasta certainly knows the way!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
Quick and Delicious
Ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Versatile Ingredients
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spice levels, or even add-ins like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for weeknights. If you loved our Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, this recipe takes it a step further with hearty pasta.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Quick Overview
Boil the pasta, sauté the shrimp and garlic, then toss it all together with seasonings and a splash of pasta water for the perfect consistency.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust based on servings)
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 drizzles olive oil
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil recommended)
Step-by-Step:
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil spaghetti in salted water with a splash of oil and some herbs.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Rinse shrimp under cold water.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add shrimp and cook until just pink and starting to curl.
- Add Garlic and Oil:
- Add minced garlic and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring.
- Drizzle in olive oil and continue stirring until shrimp are fully pink.
- Combine Pasta:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until pasta is lightly coated but not soggy.
- Toss and Serve:
- Toss everything together over heat until fully incorporated and hot.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and more red pepper flakes if desired.
What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the garlicky shrimp.
Top Tips for Perfecting Shrimp Pasta
- Use Fresh Garlic: It adds the best flavor and aroma.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly and should be just pink and curled.
- Save the Pasta Water: It helps bind the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: Brightens up the entire dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or extra olive oil to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What herbs work best? Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme work wonderfully.
Is it spicy? Only if you add red pepper flakes—adjust to your taste.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and elegant meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With bold garlic flavor, juicy shrimp, and tender spaghetti, it’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again. Make it tonight and savor every bite!
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 drizzles olive oil
- Italian seasoning to taste
- fresh ground pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste
- salt to taste
- fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water with a splash of oil and herbs until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until just pink and starting to curl.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring. Drizzle in olive oil and cook until shrimp are fully pink.
- Add drained pasta to skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually, tossing until pasta is lightly coated and hot.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.