Garlic shrimp pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for special occasions. The garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta, creating a flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Steps to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any bits left in the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful and Creamy: The garlic butter sauce adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the shrimp and pasta.
- Customizable: You can add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Garlic shrimp pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s sure to impress. Serve it for dinner tonight and enjoy the delicious combination of shrimp, garlic, and pasta in a rich creamy sauce!