Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Quick 20-Minute Dinner Recipe

Busy nights call for easy yet flavorful dinners, and nothing delivers quite like Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Quick 20-Minute Dinner Recipe. This dish combines juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon for brightness. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in the time it takes to boil pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super fast: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Restaurant quality: Tastes like something from an upscale bistro.
Minimal ingredients: Only pantry staples and fresh shrimp required.
Family favorite: Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Versatile: Works with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.

Ingredients Needed

12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ cup (120 ml) pasta cooking water
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and zest.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Shrimp

Add drained pasta to the skillet along with shrimp. Pour in reserved pasta water to loosen sauce. Toss until pasta is coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Use fresh shrimp for the sweetest flavor. Frozen works if thawed properly.
Don’t overcook shrimp – they only need 3–4 minutes total.
Balance flavors with lemon juice for freshness.
Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes.
Make it creamy – add a splash of heavy cream for richness.

Variations

Shrimp Scampi Style: Add white wine before tossing pasta.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Low-Carb: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles.
Cheesy Twist: Mix in a handful of mozzarella or Pecorino Romano.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic bread or bruschetta
A crisp Caesar salad
Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli
A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended—shrimp texture changes.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

2. What pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine work perfectly, but fettuccine or angel hair are great too.

3. Can I make it creamy?
Yes! Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce before tossing pasta.

4. How do I prevent mushy shrimp?
Cook over high heat for just 2 minutes per side.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Quick 20-Minute Dinner Recipe is proof that weeknight dinners can be fast, flavorful, and elegant. With its garlicky butter sauce, juicy shrimp, and bright lemon finish, this recipe is a keeper. Serve it with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.