12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
1 teaspoon salt, for the pasta water
For the Garlic Shrimp
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Finishing Touches
Freshly grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges
Extra parsley
A drizzle of olive oil
Extra red pepper flakes
What Kind of Shrimp Should You Use?
Large or medium-large shrimp work beautifully here.
You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking.
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Removing excess moisture is important because wet shrimp tend to steam rather than sear.
And nobody wants sad, watery shrimp!!
Look for shrimp that are firm, smell fresh, and are properly peeled and deveined if you want to save yourself some prep time.
What Pasta Works Best?
Spaghetti is a classic choice, but don’t feel locked into it.
Try:
Linguine
Fettuccine
Angel hair
Spaghetti
Bucatini
Penne
Rotini
Long pasta works especially well because the buttery garlic sauce clings beautifully to the strands.
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Necessary Tools
You don’t need anything fancy.
You’ll want:
Large pot for cooking pasta
Large skillet or frying pan
Colander
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Citrus juicer, optional
A large skillet is especially helpful because you’ll eventually toss the pasta and shrimp together in the same pan.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible.
Butter
Unsalted butter gives you the most control over the salt.
Salted butter works too—just reduce the added salt if needed.
Olive Oil
Olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the butter from becoming too dark while cooking.
You can use additional butter if you prefer, but the olive oil gives the sauce a lovely balance.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is strongly recommended.
Jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch, but freshly minced garlic gives you that incredible aroma and sharper flavor.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice is best.
Bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh lemon has a brighter flavor.
Parmesan
Parmesan is optional.
The dish is delicious without it, but freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish.
Add Vegetables
Want to sneak some vegetables into dinner?
Try:
Baby spinach
Cherry tomatoes
Broccoli
Asparagus
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes for a little heat.
You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you really like spicy pasta.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
This little step is worth remembering!!
Pasta water contains starch that can help loosen and bring together your sauce later.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season them with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Try to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil and about 2 tablespoons of the butter.
Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Cook the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size.
They should turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Be careful not to overcook them.
Shrimp go from perfectly tender to rubbery surprisingly quickly!!
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate.
Step 5: Cook the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining butter to the skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
The smell at this point is incredible!!
You want the garlic fragrant and lightly softened, not dark brown.
Burned garlic can become bitter, so keep an eye on it.
Step 6: Add Lemon
Add the fresh lemon juice.
Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen all those flavorful browned bits.
That’s flavor you don’t want to leave behind!!
Step 7: Add the Pasta
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet.
Toss everything together with tongs.
If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and continue tossing.
Add more a little at a time until the pasta is glossy and coated.
Step 8: Return the Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet.
Toss gently until everything is combined and heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Need more lemon?
Add it.
Want more garlic?
Go for it.
Want heat?
Reach for those red pepper flakes!!
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan if using.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
The pasta should be glossy, fragrant, and coated in that buttery garlic sauce.
And yes, you’re probably going to want seconds!!
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
This is the biggest one.
Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
As soon as they’re opaque and cooked through, take them out of the pan.
Don’t Burn the Garlic
Garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden at most.
If it turns dark brown, it can become bitter.
Save Your Pasta Water
Seriously—don’t drain every drop away.
Reserve some before draining.
A splash can help turn the butter, oil, lemon, and pasta starch into a silky coating.
Use Fresh Garlic
This is a garlic shrimp pasta, after all!!
Freshly minced garlic gives the dish its signature flavor.
Pat the Shrimp Dry
This helps the shrimp brown instead of releasing excess water into the skillet.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente
The pasta will continue to absorb sauce after it’s added to the skillet.
Slightly firm pasta holds up beautifully.
Taste Before Serving
Salt, lemon, and pepper can make a huge difference.
Taste the finished pasta and adjust before bringing it to the table.
What to Serve With Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This pasta can absolutely be a complete meal on its own.
But if you’re serving it for a dinner party or want to stretch the meal, try pairing it with:
Garlic Bread
Because there is absolutely no shame in having more garlic!!
Use crusty bread to soak up every last bit of buttery sauce.
Green Salad
A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make an easy side.
Steamed Broccoli
Simple, nutritious, and perfect for catching any extra sauce.
Crusty Bread
Never underestimate a loaf of good crusty bread.
Especially when there’s garlic butter involved!!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Want to turn this into a creamy pasta?
Easy.
After cooking the garlic, add about 1/2 cup heavy cream and let it gently simmer for a couple of minutes.
Then add Parmesan and a splash of pasta water.
Toss in the pasta and shrimp and stir until creamy.
You’ll end up with a richer, more indulgent version.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Spicy
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