This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your go-to dish when you want something impressive without the fuss. Packed with bold garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and perfectly al dente spaghetti tossed in a buttery, herb-speckled sauce, it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like something you’d order at a coastal trattoria.

What makes this pasta shine is its balance of flavors: the rich butter sauce enhanced with a splash of lemon, a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, and a shower of parmesan for savory depth. Each bite delivers garlicky goodness, succulent shrimp, and a velvety pasta coating that makes you want to twirl your fork again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry and freezer staples you probably already have.
Flavor Packed: Garlic, lemon, parsley, and parmesan create a layered, zesty flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Fancy enough for date night, simple enough for a Tuesday.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get cooking, here are the essential tools and why they matter:

Large Pot: To boil the spaghetti evenly without clumping.
Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for cooking the shrimp and building your garlic butter sauce.
Colander: To drain pasta efficiently and avoid soggy noodles.
Tongs: Ideal for tossing the pasta with shrimp without breaking the noodles.
Microplane or Zester: For fresh lemon zest and fine-grated parmesan.

Having these tools prepped and ready helps streamline your cooking process, ensuring everything is hot and flavorful when it hits the plate.

Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Spaghetti: The sturdy base of the dish that holds the sauce beautifully.
Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks fast and soaks up all the garlic flavor.
Garlic (minced): Adds depth and that unmistakable aroma that makes this dish crave-worthy.
Butter: The rich, creamy base of the sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp and blend the butter into a smooth sauce.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the dish with a citrus pop.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right touch of heat.
Parsley (fresh chopped): Brings color and herbaceous freshness.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating a savory, cheesy finish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both shrimp and pasta.

How To Make the Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add lemon juice and zest, then stir to combine.

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Return shrimp to the skillet along with drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Stir in parmesan and chopped parsley.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta

Serve the garlic shrimp pasta immediately while it’s hot and saucy. Pair it with a light side salad and crusty bread for a full meal. For storing, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal. They hold the sauce well and pair beautifully with shrimp.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce in advance and reheat it before tossing with shrimp and pasta.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus go well with this pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’ll enjoy these other favorites:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra lemon or go heavy on the garlic? Did you swap spaghetti for linguine?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier meals.

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Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick 25-minute dinner recipe featuring succulent shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and parmesan tossed with spaghetti. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Keywords: garlic shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta recipe, quick shrimp spaghetti, lemon garlic shrimp.