Introduction
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special date-night meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Origin & Cultural Significance
This dish draws inspiration from Italy’s seafood pasta traditions, where simple ingredients—olive oil, garlic, seafood, and pasta—create bold flavor. Over time, garlic shrimp pasta has become a global favorite, symbolizing fresh, uncomplicated home cooking with restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Additions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- White wine (½ cup, adds depth)
- Baby spinach or arugula
- Lemon zest for extra brightness
Tips for Success
✔ Pat shrimp dry for a better sear
✔ Cook pasta al dente as it will finish cooking in the sauce
✔ Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly
✔ Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best aroma
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sauté Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Sauce
Add remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Optional: add white wine or a splash of pasta water for more sauce.
4. Combine
Return shrimp to skillet, toss with cooked pasta. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve
Plate immediately. Top with Parmesan if desired.
Description
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is buttery, garlicky, slightly tangy from lemon, and perfectly balanced. The shrimp stay tender, and the pasta absorbs all the flavorful sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
Conclusion
This dish is an effortless way to make a restaurant-quality seafood pasta at home. It’s elegant, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty garlic bread
- Light green salad
- Lemon wedges
- A chilled white wine
Healthful Indulgence Tip
Use whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles to boost fiber, and reduce butter slightly while keeping olive oil to maintain heart-healthy fats.