Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 tsp chili flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick: you can have a full, restaurant‑style pasta dish on the table in about 20 minutes.
The flavor is balanced — buttery richness, savory garlic, a bright squeeze of lemon, and the salty depth of Parmesan make every forkful comforting and satisfying.
It’s versatile: you can use different kinds of pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguine, penne) and easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or what’s in your kitchen.
Great for different occasions — it’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal, but elegant enough for guests or a special dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz fettuccine
1 lb shrimp
4 cloves garlic
½ cup Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp butter
Juice of 1/4 lemon
Zest from 1/4 lemon
2 tbsp cooking oil
Sea salt
Black pepper
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large pan over medium heat, heat the cooking oil. Add the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the butter to the pan and melt, then add the shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and slightly pink — about 4–6 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Add the cooked fettuccine to the pan, tossing until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 5 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Use a different pasta shape: spaghetti, linguine, penne or shells work well if fettuccine isn’t available.
Add vegetables: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini make nice additions for more color and nutrition.
Add a bit of heat: a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a light kick.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream‑based sauce at the end.
Swap out shrimp: if you don’t have shrimp, you can use small pieces of chicken or scallops for a different protein.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low to medium heat — you may need to add a splash of water or a little extra butter to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

How can I tell when shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when their flesh turns opaque with a little bit of pink; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry; this helps them sear properly rather than steam.

What if I don’t have fettuccine?

You can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you like. Long pasta tends to cling to the sauce best, but any kind works.

Can I make this dish in advance?

You can cook the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to toss with pasta just before serving so the pasta doesn’t get soggy.

Is it okay to use pre‑minced garlic from a jar?

Yes — but fresh garlic gives a stronger, fresher flavor which elevates the dish.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

A simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables works nicely. Crusty bread or garlic bread are also great for sopping up the leftover sauce.

Can I add more flavor or spice?

Yes — a pinch of red pepper flakes, some fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), or a little extra lemon juice can brighten and deepen the flavor.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

If you want a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a small amount of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after the cheese melts.

What if the sauce is too thick when reheating?

Add a splash of water, vegetable broth, or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.

Can I reduce butter or use olive oil instead?

You can reduce the butter or replace some of it with olive oil, though butter contributes to the signature rich, silky texture — reducing it will lighten the dish, but might change the flavor slightly.

Conclusion

This garlic butter shrimp pasta proves you don’t need complicated steps or exotic ingredients to make a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights — or a special dinner when you want to impress without stress. It’s cozy, elegant, and delicious: a true go‑to pasta for shrimp lovers.