Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta has been a lifesaver in my kitchen more times than I can count. Whether I’m rushing to get dinner on the table or simply craving something comforting yet impressive, this dish always delivers. The simplicity of the ingredients means I almost always have everything I need on hand, and the result is always restaurant-worthy.

The moment the garlic hits the pan, the aroma alone feels like a warm hug. Toss in the shrimp, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a swirl of perfectly cooked pasta, and just like that — dinner is done. I love how this meal balances rich flavors with a light, satisfying texture. Plus, it’s versatile enough to dress up for a dinner party or keep casual for a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, and made with ingredients you probably already have. You’ll love how the garlic butter sauce coats the pasta without feeling heavy, and how the shrimp stay tender and juicy with a perfect sear. It’s the kind of pasta that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.

It’s also incredibly flexible — great for busy weeknights or spontaneous guests. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, and it’s elegant enough to look like you spent hours on it.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

I usually reach for spaghetti or linguine because they do a great job soaking up the garlicky sauce, but really, any long pasta works. Fettuccine gives a heartier bite, while angel hair makes it feel delicate and light. If you’re in the mood to switch it up, try it with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles — the flavors hold up beautifully.

Options for Substitutions

No shrimp? No problem — you can swap in scallops, chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

If you’re out of fresh parsley, dried parsley or even fresh basil can work in a pinch. Not a fan of spice? Leave out the chili flakes, or tone them down. And for those avoiding dairy, a drizzle of olive oil in place of butter still gives a rich finish without the creaminess.

You can also boost the veggies by tossing in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. It’s one of those forgiving recipes that lets you make it your own with whatever you have on hand.

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Ingredients for this Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp (large, peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the garlic and chili flavors beautifully.
• Spaghetti (or your choice of pasta): Acts as the base, soaking up all that garlicky, buttery goodness.
• Garlic (minced): Essential for flavor; it gives the dish its signature aroma and taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a luscious sauce when combined with garlic and shrimp juices.
• Olive oil: Helps the butter not burn and adds a fruity base note to the sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For just the right kick of heat.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Adds brightness and enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): For freshness and a vibrant finish.
• Salt and pepper: To season everything to perfection.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds umami depth and a savory edge to the final dish.

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Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. This helps them sear properly and brings out their natural sweetness.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant — don’t let it brown.

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Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.

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Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a minute. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat with the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss again gently to warm everything through. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley and, if using, grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Give it a final toss and serve immediately while hot.

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How Long to Prepare Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Prep Time: The prep is refreshingly quick — just 10 minutes. That includes peeling and deveining the shrimp (unless you’re using pre-cleaned), mincing garlic, and measuring out your ingredients. If you’re multitasking while the pasta water heats up, you’ll barely notice the prep time.

Cook Time: Cooking takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. The shrimp only need a couple of minutes per side, and the sauce comes together in the same pan. Including the time to cook your pasta, the entire dish is usually ready in under 25 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Dry the shrimp well before cooking to help them sear properly.
• Use freshly minced garlic instead of jarred — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they turn rubbery fast. As soon as they curl and turn pink, they’re done.
• Save your pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce.
• Finish with lemon zest and juice for a fresh, bright pop.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the garlic: It burns quickly and turns bitter. Keep the heat moderate.
• Skipping the pasta water: Without it, your sauce may be too thick or dry.
• Crowding the shrimp: They’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to your preference.
• Not tossing the pasta well: Stir it thoroughly in the sauce to evenly coat every strand.

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What to Serve With Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the classic sidekick. Perfect for sopping up extra sauce.

2. Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta and adds freshness.

3. Roasted Asparagus

The earthy flavor and slight crunch of asparagus pair well with lemony shrimp.

4. White Wine

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the garlic and seafood beautifully.

5. Sauteed Spinach

Quickly sautéed greens with olive oil and garlic make a light, nutritious side.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, but make sure to reheat gently.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. Microwave works too, but shrimp can become rubbery if overheated — go slow and low.

Freezer: Freezing is not ideal as the texture of shrimp and pasta can become mushy when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for best results.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 190mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Watch for when the shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape — that’s your cue to take them off the heat.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you’re spice-sensitive.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead. Cooked pasta and shrimp tend to dry out with reheating.

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Conclusion

Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a go-to meal for when you need something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It hits that perfect balance of rich, garlicky sauce and bright lemony freshness, all tied together with tender shrimp and silky noodles. Whether you’re cooking for one, a family dinner, or a date night, this dish brings the wow factor with minimal effort. Once you make it, you’ll come back to it again and again — it’s that good.

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