Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta — My Go-To Weeknight Favorite!

If there’s one dish I keep coming back to, it’s this easy garlic butter shrimp pasta. It’s quick, flavorful, and feels like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant — but you can whip it up in about 30 minutes at home! I make this whenever I want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen (because, let’s be real, we all have those days).

Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but I love a little heat!)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional, but so good on top)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (this is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!).

4. Toss Everything Together:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir in the chopped parsley.

5. Add the Shrimp Back In:
   Toss the shrimp back into the pasta and mix until everything is well combined and warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.

6. Serve & Enjoy:
   Plate it up, sprinkle with extra parsley and Parmesan if you like, and dig in!

This dish is seriously one of my weeknight lifesavers, light, flavorful, and just a little indulgent with that garlicky butter sauce. Plus, it looks so pretty when plated (perfect for your next at-home dinner date or even just treating yourself!).

Tip: If you want to switch it up, sometimes I add a handful of baby spinach or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Ready to try it? Let me know if you make this — I love hearing how you put your own spin on it! 💛