Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust for family size)
• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup butter
• Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional for heat)
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This helps lock in flavor and prevents them from turning rubbery during cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma should be rich and buttery!

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you like it spicy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the pasta feels dry, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Sprinkle with more Italian seasoning, a touch of freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat everything in that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly and can become tough if left too long. As soon as they turn pink, remove them from heat.
• Add lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavor beautifully.
• Use quality pasta: The better the noodles, the better the overall texture and flavor.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to make a creamy garlic shrimp pasta version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a slice of warm garlic bread, a light green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Top with Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil for that restaurant-style finish.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

It’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor — buttery garlic meets tender shrimp and perfectly coated pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish feels fancy without being fussy. It’s one of those recipes that always impresses and never disappoints.