Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple, flavor-packed recipe that delivers bold taste with minimal effort. This dish combines fresh ingredients and an easy cooking method to create a satisfying meal that works for busy days or relaxed dinners. It’s balanced, quick to prepare, and consistently delicious.

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This recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find and work well together for a balanced result.

• 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups baby arugula or spinach
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

You can swap ingredients based on what you have. For the pasta, any long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works well. If you don’t have shrimp, you can substitute with chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your personal preference for spice and flavor. Baby spinach can be used interchangeably with arugula, and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative can be used if needed.

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the drained pasta and the baby arugula (or spinach) to the skillet. Stir and toss until the arugula begins to wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to create a smoother sauce.
7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
8. Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

• Overcooking the protein can make it dry. Cook just until done.
• Skipping seasoning layers leads to bland flavor. Taste as you go.
• Not reserving pasta water: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.

• Add vegetables like peppers, onions, or broccoli for more texture. Sauté them before adding the garlic for the sauce.
• Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.
• For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end, along with the Parmesan cheese.

• Serve with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• A side of steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complements the dish well.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can cook the pasta and prepare the shrimp mixture separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine and reheat just before serving for the best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It can be, but it’s best to store the pasta and the shrimp mixture separately if you plan to reheat and serve over several days, as shrimp can become tough if reheated multiple times.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe is reliable, quick, and adaptable to different tastes. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring much fuss, delivering consistent, delicious results every time.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A simple, flavor-packed American recipe combining bold garlic-butter shrimp, tender pasta, and fresh greens. Quick to prepare and consistently satisfying for family meals or relaxed dinners.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 40
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups baby arugula or spinach
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes 1 minute.
Add shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, arugula, and half the Parmesan.
Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with shrimp mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
Top with remaining Parmesan and parsley (if using).

Notes

Substitute shrimp with chicken breast or tofu for non-seafood options
Adjust garlic and red pepper flakes to taste
Use any long pasta based on availability