Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Comforting Seafood Dinner for Busy Weeknights
Rich, buttery, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a comforting yet elegant dish that comes together in just 35 minutes. Juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic butter, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta are finished with parmesan and a splash of lemon for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. It is warm, familiar, and exactly the sort of shrimp and pasta dinner that works when you want something satisfying
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Garlic butter pasta is a timeless comfort food, loved for its simplicity and bold flavors. This version takes it up a notch with tender shrimp, fresh basil, garlic butter, a splash of light beer for depth, and a hint of citrus. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual entertaining. This recipe works well if you are rotating through shrimp recipes for dinner or collecting dependable pasta dinner recipes that feel cozy and reliable.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It is a simple seafood pasta dish that feels comforting and familiar.
- The sauce and tender shrimp make it a true buttery shrimp pasta worth repeating.
- This easy garlic butter shrimp recipe fits neatly into busy weeknight cooking.
- It works beautifully as a shrimp and pasta dinner that the whole table can enjoy.
- The flavors stay light and balanced, making it one of those light shrimp pasta recipes that never feels heavy.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Add butter, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Step 3: Season with smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Add beer and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Step 4: Simmer until the liquid reduces slightly.
Step 5: Add the prepared garlic butter to the drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 6: Add cooked shrimp and gently mix.
Expert Tips to make
- Do not overcook shrimp; they should be just pink and tender
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- Lemon juice brightens the rich butter sauce
- Use fresh basil for maximum aroma
- Add chili paprika for a spicy kick
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Use spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine instead of penne
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes
- Finish with extra grated cheese
- Pair with white wine or sparkling water
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta FAQs
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
You can substitute chicken broth or pasta water.
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well for up to 2 days refrigerated.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
Yes. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or large spoon
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta or similar short pasta
- 2 cups shrimp peeled, deveined, and blanched
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- ¼ cup light beer
- ½ lemon juiced
- 2 teaspoon sesame seeds mixed black and white
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili paprika optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoon salted butter softened
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the basil, softened butter, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper to a blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add the shrimp and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp are just opaque.
- Add the smoked paprika, oregano, chili paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently. Pour in the beer and lemon juice, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet or transfer everything to a large serving bowl. Spoon the garlic butter over the pasta and toss until evenly coated. Gently fold in the shrimp. Serve warm, topped with grated cheese, sesame seeds, and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Blanching the shrimp beforehand helps them stay tender and prevents overcooking during the final sauté.
- Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best for holding the garlic butter sauce.
- The beer adds light depth but can be replaced with pasta water if preferred.
More Seafood Recipes
- This shrimp saffron paella comes together in one pan and feels right at home on a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend. Warm, comforting, and made to be served straight from the skillet, it’s the kind of dinner that looks impressive but fits easily into real life.
- Smoked salmon avocado bruschetta is the kind of appetizer that quietly steals attention on a party table. Creamy, fresh, and elegant, it fits right in with brunch spreads, cocktail hours, and anything in between.
- Cool, creamy, and elegant. These cucumber smoked salmon rolls make entertaining effortless. No cooking, no stress, just beautiful bites that disappear fast from the platter.
