Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To do this quickly, place them in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes.

What pasta works best for garlic butter shrimp pasta?

Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are great choices because they hold onto the sauce well. However, you can use penne or rotini if you prefer shorter pasta.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving for a spicy kick.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 4 tbsp butter; ¼ cup lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp cooking oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, restaurant-quality dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. The combination of fresh lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley makes this a light yet indulgent meal, ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz fettuccine
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 tbsp butter
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp cooking oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: In a large pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
Cook the shrimp: Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque and pink. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
Add lemon and seasoning: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, allowing the flavors to meld for about a minute.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well distributed.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately. Enjoy your quick and delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta!

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
To prevent butter from burning, cook the shrimp in a mix of butter and cooking oil.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra butter or olive oil.
For a creamy version, add ¼ cup of heavy cream before combining with pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 190mg