Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A Quick & Luxurious 20-Minute Meal

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This restaurant-worthy pasta features succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a splash of white wine and lemon—simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for date night!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in 20 minutes – Faster than takeout
✅ Bursting with flavor – Garlic, butter, and fresh herbs shine
✅ Impressive presentation – Looks like you spent hours
✅ Customizable – Add veggies or spice to taste

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add shrimp, season with salt & pepper, and cook 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmering 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. Combine & Finish

  1. Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat.
  2. Add cooked pasta, tossing with pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  3. Stir in parsley (and Parmesan/cream if using).

5. Serve Immediately

  • Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips

🍤 Perfect shrimp: Pat them very dry before cooking for better sear.
🍷 Wine choice: Use a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
🔥 Extra flavor: Add 1 tsp anchovy paste with the garlic for umami depth.

Variations

🍅 Tomato-basil: Stir in fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
🌶 Spicy Cajun: Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning before cooking.
🍋 Lemon-butter: Double the lemon juice and zest for extra brightness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw in cold water first and pat dry thoroughly.

How to store leftovers?

Fridge for 2 days (reheat gently with a splash of water).

Can I make it creamy?

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end with the Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is simple elegance on a plate—garlicky, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for when you want something quick but special!

Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce! 🍝🦐

(Tag your creations #GarlicShrimpPasta!)

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