Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Juicy, golden-seared shrimp tossed with tender spaghetti in a garlicky, buttery sauce—this Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a dream weeknight dinner that feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. It’s fast, flavor-packed, and uses just a few staple ingredients to create something seriously satisfying.

This dish is perfect when you’re craving comfort without the heaviness. A touch of lemon, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and fresh parsley take it over the top, giving it a bright, fresh finish that balances out the richness of the garlic butter and Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the family, this pasta is bound to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Balanced Flavor: The garlic and butter base is perfectly matched with lemon and herbs.
• Elegant Yet Effortless: Looks fancy, tastes amazing, and is totally beginner-friendly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap in whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best results, go for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh is great if you can get it, but frozen shrimp work beautifully too—just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to get that perfect golden sear. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they can easily become rubbery when reheated in the pan.

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Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish serves a purpose to create layers of flavor and texture that come together perfectly in every bite.

• Spaghetti – The pasta base that soaks up all the garlic-butter goodness.
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Juicy, tender, and the star of this recipe.
• Olive oil – Helps sear the shrimp and adds a fruity richness.
• Butter – Builds a velvety, flavorful sauce.
• Garlic (minced) – The bold, aromatic backbone of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes – Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness.
• Lemon juice – Cuts through the butter and brings brightness.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami finish.
• Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish with color and freshness.
• Salt and black pepper – Enhances every element of the pasta.

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How To Make the Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is well coated and the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

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How to Serve and Store This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This pasta dish is best served hot straight from the skillet when the shrimp is still tender and the sauce is silky. It feeds about 4 people, making it great for a family dinner or an elegant date night meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

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What to Serve With Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up any extra garlicky sauce left in the bowl.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons add freshness to balance the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful, healthy side.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple and nutrient-rich, broccoli pairs nicely with the garlic and shrimp.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood beautifully.

Lemon-Herb Couscous

For a twist, serve a small portion of herbed couscous alongside for extra brightness.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring cool contrast to the warm pasta.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the skillet.

What pasta shape works best besides spaghetti?

While spaghetti is classic, you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair. Just make sure it’s a long pasta to catch the garlic butter sauce.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat. You can also drizzle with hot chili oil before serving.

Is this shrimp pasta dairy-free?

As written, no, because it includes butter and Parmesan. But you can swap the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast as a substitute.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavier on the garlic? Did you add a veggie or try a gluten-free noodle?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter!

Find more recipes like this one on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s light but satisfying, rich but balanced, and totally adaptable to your taste. Whether you’re hosting or just feeding yourself, this is one of those go-to pasta dishes you’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery, lemony bite!

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