Garlic Shrimp Pasta Butter

This garlic shrimp pasta in butter is a simple yet luxurious weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving for rich, savory flavors. The combination of tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and silky butter creates a comforting dish that feels special without requiring complicated steps.

I made this the first time when unexpected guests popped in and now it’s a go-to that never disappoints. The family loves how easy it is but feels fancy enough to serve for casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Medium shrimp: Deveined and tails removed to make eating easy and enjoyable; choose fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for best texture
• Spaghetti: A long pasta that holds the sauce beautifully; look for good quality semolina-based pasta
• Garlic Cloves: The star aromatics here; use fresh garlic minced finely to evenly distribute flavor
• Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness without extra salt so you can control seasoning; quality butter makes a difference
• Olive oil: Use a good extra-virgin olive oil for flavor; it also helps keep pasta from sticking
• Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic Mediterranean flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild bite; freshly ground always tastes better than pre-ground
• Red pepper flakes: For subtle heat to balance richness; adjust amount to your spice tolerance
• Fine sea salt: Use to season pasta water and pasta; fine grain dissolves better and seasons evenly
• Fresh herbs: Optional but wonderful for brightness; fresh parsley or basil work wonderfully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring the Pasta to Life:

Fill a large pot with water, add salt until it tastes like the sea, and bring to a rolling boil. Drizzle in some olive oil and toss in fresh herbs if you have them. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 9 to 11 minutes until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining to help your sauce come together perfectly. Set aside the drained pasta.

Prepare the Shrimp:

While the pasta cooks, rinse your shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing moisture here helps them sear properly in the pan without steaming.

Cook the Shrimp in Butter:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until they just start to turn pink and curl into their signature shape.

Add Garlic and Finish Cooking the Shrimp:

Add your finely minced garlic directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Continue cooking and stirring gently for another 5 to 7 minutes until the shrimp are completely pink and opaque and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with your shrimp and garlic. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and your salt. Pour in about 60 milliliters of the reserved pasta water to help coat everything in a silky sauce—use more water if necessary to get the consistency just right.

Toss and Serve:

Toss everything over medium heat to marry the flavors and heat through the pasta until every strand is glossed in buttery goodness. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if you like. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

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This recipe reminds me of nights sharing food around the table with good friends. My favorite thing is the way the butter and garlic combine with shrimp to create such an inviting aroma as it cooks, bringing everyone into the kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep the pasta from drying out. Shrimp can toughen if overcooked when reheating so warm on low heat and stir often.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute linguine or fettuccine for the spaghetti if you prefer a thicker noodle. Use ghee or a mild olive oil in place of butter for a dairy-free version. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme individually to mimic the blend.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce. A glass of chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the seafood flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of shrimp is best for this dish?

Medium-sized shrimp, deveined and with tails removed, work best to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.

→ How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Adding olive oil to the boiling water and stirring occasionally helps keep the spaghetti strands separate and smooth.

→ Can I use other pasta types instead of spaghetti?

Yes, long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine pair well with this buttery shrimp sauce.

→ What fresh herbs complement the flavors here?

Chopped parsley, basil, or oregano enhance the dish’s freshness and aroma without overpowering the garlic butter.

→ How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Control the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes added, or omit them for a milder finish.