Updated on January 27, 2026
Looking for a quick seafood dinner that still feels special? This 15-minute garlic butter shrimp pasta is one of those quick meals for busy nights that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. You cook the pasta and sauce at the same time, then toss everything together in one pan for a weeknight meal that tastes restaurant-worthy but uses simple pantry ingredients.
15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 oz (170 g) dried spaghetti or linguine
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 7 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 10 oz (280 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
- ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta cooking water, as needed
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or coriander leaves
- 2 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs (or dried oregano/basil mix)
- 1 Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Start the garlic butter base – In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 15–20 seconds until fragrant, then add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the spices – Stir in the red pepper flakes, paprika, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the spices smell toasty and there is no raw aroma.
- Cook the shrimp – Push the aromatics slightly to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, increase the heat to medium-high, and add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and toss to coat.
- Combine pasta and sauce – Reduce the heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 2–4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together with tongs until the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash more pasta water if the pan looks dry.
- Finish with herbs and cheese – Stir in the chopped parsley or coriander and the dried Italian mixed herbs. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed. If using, toss in a small handful of grated Parmesan or sprinkle it on top after plating.
- Serve – Serve the garlic butter shrimp pasta immediately, topped with extra herbs, more chili flakes if you like it spicier, and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over each serving.
Nutrition per serving (estimated)
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQ – Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp pasta?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear instead of steaming and keeps the sauce from getting watery.
What pasta shape works best for this garlic butter shrimp pasta?
Spaghetti or linguine are classic for this recipe because the long strands grab the buttery garlic sauce. You can also use fettuccine, angel hair, or short shapes like penne if that’s what you have, but check the package and adjust the cooking time.
How do I keep shrimp from turning rubbery?
Shrimp cook very quickly, so use medium-high heat and cook just until they curl and turn pink on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side. They will finish cooking as you toss them with the hot pasta, so pull them off the heat as soon as they are opaque in the center.
More easy pasta recipes to try next: Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta, Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta, and One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Vegan).
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