Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This might just be the easiest way to impress yourself on a busy weeknight—a rich, buttery pasta tossed with garlicky shrimp that cooks up in about 25 minutes flat. The Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those meals you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for fast dinners that feel like a treat.

this …

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Delicious Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe, every ingredient has a job to do that makes the dish balanced and delicious. Simple pantry staples come together with fresh herbs and veggies to create something far more special than the sum of its parts. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Penne Pasta: Its tube shape catches the buttery sauce perfectly, giving you flavor in every bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Dividing it ensures some for cooking garlic and shrimp, and the rest to bring everything together in the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that aromatic punch you want in a butter sauce—don’t skimp here!
• Dried Parsley and Oregano: These herbs add subtle earthiness and depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
• Medium Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy eating and quick cooking.
• Cherry Tomatoes: They add brightness and slight acidity to cut through the richness.
• Baby Spinach: Wilts down quickly and adds vibrant color and nutrients.
• Fresh Basil: Stirred in last to add fresh, summer-like aroma and lift the whole dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little extra heat if you like a bit of spice.
• Grated Parmesan (Optional): A cheesy finishing touch that complements the garlic butter.

Make It Your Way

I love to switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or how hungry we are. The versatility of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe lets you get creative while still keeping it simple and delicious.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap out penne for linguine or fettuccine when I want a silkier noodle experience. It’s equally good either way, so feel free to use what you like or have on hand.
• Lower Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version—it’s a nice switch on warmer days.
• Add Veggies: I occasionally throw in mushrooms or bell peppers along with the spinach and tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end gives this dish a delightful kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil That Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. I like to salt the water generously—it seasons the pasta from inside out. Aim for al dente so it holds up nicely when you toss it with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain but keep a cup of the pasta water handy just in case you want to thin the sauce.

Step 2: Infuse Butter with Garlic and Herbs

Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, dried parsley, and oregano, stirring frequently for about a minute until everything smells fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Cook Your Shrimp to Tender Perfection

Season the shrimp with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then add them to your fragrant butter. Cook for about 4 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook or they get rubbery—shrimp cook super fast, and timing here is everything. Once done, remove the shrimp and cover them so they stay warm.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies With More Butter

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and chopped fresh basil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start releasing their juices. The butter helps create that silky, rich sauce melded with the fresh flavors of the veggies.

Step 5: Combine, Toss & Serve

Add your drained pasta back into the skillet with the veggies, then gently fold the cooked shrimp in. Stir everything together so the noodles get coated in that garlicky butter sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan if you like a little heat and cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this pasta, I love to finish it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese—its salty creaminess pairs perfectly with the buttery garlic sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a lively kick, but if you prefer mild flavors, some lemon zest brightens things up beautifully. Fresh chopped basil on top adds both fragrance and a pop of color that really elevates the presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but I like to round out the meal with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that buttery sauce. Sometimes, I make a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for extra greens and some crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta twirled neatly into nests on each plate and garnished each with a whole basil leaf and a single grilled shrimp on top. It adds a touch of elegance that guests love but takes minimal extra effort. You can also serve it in shallow bowls with a dusting of chili flakes for festive color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, just transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but be mindful the shrimp can dry out if kept longer. Reheat gently to maintain the juicy texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because shrimp texture suffers when frozen and reheated. Instead, I prefer making it fresh or storing leftovers in the fridge as noted. However, if you want to freeze, pack it tightly and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is by warming it on low heat in a skillet with a little extra butter or olive oil. This helps prevent the shrimp from drying out and keeps the pasta from sticking. Microwave works in a pinch but do it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep heat even.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want dinner to feel special without a lot of fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—the buttery garlic sauce, the fresh veggies, and the tender shrimp come together in such a comforting way. Give it a try for your next evening meal; I promise it’ll become a fast favorite in your rotation, too!

Print