For the pasta:
- 12 oz linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the shrimp & sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🍝 Instructions
Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the shrimp – While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the garlic sauce – In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Deglaze with wine – Pour in white wine (or broth) and simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add cream and cheese – Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine everything – Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish and serve – Stir in parsley and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh garlic — pre-minced won’t give the same punch.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they turn rubbery if left too long.
- Add pasta water gradually to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
- For extra richness, stir in an extra spoonful of butter at the end.
- Use wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and sustainability.
Ways to Customize Your Dish
Want to make it your own? Try these fun variations:
- 🥦 Add veggies – Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus
- 🍋 Lemon twist – Add extra zest or juice for brightness
- 🧀 Extra cheesy – Mix in goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangy boost
- 🌱 Dairy-free version – Use olive oil, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast
- 🍝 Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta
- 🍷 Wine-free – Substitute wine with extra broth and a splash of vinegar
What to Serve With Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish stands strong on its own, but here are some great pairings:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days . Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
❓ Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly — thanks to red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste or omit for a milder version.
❓ Can I use canned shrimp?
Not recommended — it lacks texture and flavor. Fresh or frozen raw shrimp work best.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of simple and spectacular — a dish that feels fancy but takes less than 20 minutes to make.
With its creamy garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and bright lemon finish , it’s no wonder this recipe is a family favorite and dinner party staple .
So go ahead — boil the pasta, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.