If there’s one dish that consistently wows both family and friends, it’s Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Imagine tender strands of pasta twirled with plump, garlicky shrimp, a silky lemon-wine sauce, and a sprinkle of bright, herby parsley. This recipe is the kind of weeknight magic that feels restaurant-special but comes together in under half an hour. Every bite bursts with savory, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors that make this meal both sophisticated and incredibly comforting.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Shrimp Pasta lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a starring role. By focusing on fresh, quality components, you ensure every bite tastes balanced, vibrant, and utterly irresistible.

Linguine or Spaghetti (8 oz): Choose your favorite long pasta for a perfect base that soaks up every drop of sauce.
Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Succulent shrimp add sweet, briny flavor and a satisfying, meaty texture.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Rich and fruity olive oil starts the flavor party, sautéing the garlic and adding silkiness to the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with deep, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp!
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint brings gentle heat and complexity; adjust to your spiciness preference.
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Adds brightness and lifts the sauce; wine brings acidity, while broth keeps it family-friendly.
Lemon Juice (juice of 1 lemon): The fresh, tangy pop cuts through richness and underscores the seafood’s sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Finishes the sauce with luscious, creamy body for extra indulgence.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances the flavors; season as you go for best results.
Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Sprinkling parsley at the end adds color and a fresh, clean finish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving, optional): Adds rich, salty depth if you love a cheesy finish—totally optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your linguine or spaghetti. Stir occasionally and cook just until al dente, following the package instructions so your pasta is perfectly tender but never mushy. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid gold helps bring the sauce together later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you like a bit of a kick, toss in the red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and just golden; this quick step builds a flavor foundation that ties the whole Garlic Shrimp Pasta together.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to your sizzling skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper as they cook. Let them sear for 2 to 3 minutes each side, or until they’re beautifully pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking—they’ll finish warming up later. Once cooked, scoop them onto a plate to rest while you finish the sauce.

Step 4: Create the Lemon-Wine Sauce

Pour your white wine or chicken broth and the fresh lemon juice into the same skillet, scraping up any browned garlic bits with a wooden spoon. Let this fragrant liquid simmer for about 2 minutes, reducing slightly and blending all the flavors. The lemon and wine add zingy brightness to your Garlic Shrimp Pasta sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Toss Everything Together

Stir in the butter until it melts and creates a glossy, rich sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything together over low heat, splashing in some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and gloss the sauce. Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta is now ready to serve—finish with fresh parsley and a snowfall of Parmesan if you wish.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

For a beautifully finished plate, shower your Garlic Shrimp Pasta with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan. A touch of lemon zest or a wedge of fresh lemon on the side adds both color and a refreshing pop.

Side Dishes

This vibrant dish shines alongside simply prepared sides. Try a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or a warm loaf of crusty bread perfect for mopping up extra sauce. Lightly roasted asparagus or broccolini add crunch and balance to the meal’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, twirl portions of Garlic Shrimp Pasta into neat nests on each plate and top with shrimp and parsley. If serving family-style, pile the pasta high in a wide platter, allowing everyone to help themselves—don’t forget extra lemon wedges and cheese on the side for customizing every bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Garlic Shrimp Pasta will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, though shrimp is always best enjoyed as soon as possible for peak texture and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze Garlic Shrimp Pasta, keep in mind that shrimp can become a bit rubbery after thawing. If you must freeze, place portions in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Warm gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts—but skillet reheating preserves the saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear and prevents excess water from diluting your Garlic Shrimp Pasta sauce.

What pasta shapes work besides linguine or spaghetti?

Feel free to experiment with fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne. While long shapes are traditional, any pasta you love will deliciously soak up the garlic-lemon sauce.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?

Yes—use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of wine, keeping all the brightness and depth without alcohol. A splash of extra lemon can restore a little zing if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Of course! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients (especially broth) are certified gluten free.

How can I make it creamy?

For a creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta twist, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the butter at the end. This gives you a richer, more indulgent sauce without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of an easier or more impressive dinner than Garlic Shrimp Pasta. The way the simple ingredients meld into something restaurant-worthy never fails to amaze me. If you’re craving a flavorful, foolproof meal that instantly feels special, this is the one to try—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, hit play on your favorite playlist, and cook up some pasta magic tonight!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and pasta tossed in a flavorful lemony sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Linguine or Spaghetti:

8 oz

Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined):

1 lb

Olive Oil:

3 tablespoons

Garlic (minced):

4 cloves

Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth:

1/4 cup

Lemon Juice:

Juice of 1 lemon

Unsalted Butter:

2 tablespoons

Salt and Pepper:

To taste

Fresh Parsley (chopped):

1/4 cup

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

For serving (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté garlic and shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Deglaze the skillet: Add white wine (or broth) and lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the butter and return the shrimp to the skillet.
Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with Parmesan if desired.