Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A Quick & Flavorful Dinner Recipe!

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s rich, garlicky, buttery, and packed with juicy shrimp. It’s the perfect quick dinner, ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a special date night meal!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
• 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (prevents pasta from sticking)

For the Garlic Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
• ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach (for extra greens)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra spice)

Equipment Needed

✅ Large Pot – For cooking pasta
✅ Skillet or Sauté Pan – To cook the shrimp and sauce
✅ Tongs – For tossing pasta with sauce
✅ Garlic Press – To finely mince garlic

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add salt and pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with olive oil; set aside.

2. Cook the Garlic Shrimp:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook for 2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up any bits from the pan.
2. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add lemon juice and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine & Serve:

1. Return shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in sauce.
2. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Pasta

🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – Adds a refreshing crunch.
🍋 Lemon Roasted Asparagus – Light and flavorful.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 3g

FAQs & Cooking Tips

1. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap butter for extra olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

2. How do I make it extra spicy?

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw shrimp under cold water for 5 minutes before cooking.