Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and comes together in a flash, you’re going to love this Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta. Imagine tender shrimp sizzling in a luscious garlic butter sauce, kissed with just the right amount of heat from chili flakes, all beautifully tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and sprinkled with fresh parsley. This dish hits all the right notes—spicy, buttery, garlicky—and it’s downright addictive from the very first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta is a go-to recipe that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and color of this Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta. From the silky butter that forms the sauce to the fresh parsley that adds a burst of color, every element comes together effortlessly to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 300 g pasta: Choose your favorite kind for the perfect base—spaghetti or linguine work beautifully.
- 300 g shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined, these are the star protein of our dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and creates the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and shrimp gently without burning the butter.
- 4 cloves garlic: Fresh and minced, this packs a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes: Provides the perfect spicy kick, balanced but bold.
- 1/2 cup pasta water: Reserved cooking water that brings everything together with silky texture.
- Salt + pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped, it brightens up the dish with color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means tender but still with a slight bite. Make sure to scoop out and reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—this magical liquid will help pull your sauce and pasta together beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
While your pasta is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute—this step creates the fragrant, buttery base that the shrimp will soak up.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp with a Spicy Kick
Next, toss your shrimp into the skillet. Sprinkle in salt, freshly ground pepper, and the chili flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—the shrimp should remain tender and juicy with a nice spicy warmth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp
It’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Pour in about half a cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything vigorously so that every strand of pasta is coated with that spicy garlic butter goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. This final touch not only adds a vibrant pop of green but also a fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness and spice perfectly.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of savory indulgence. A few lemon wedges on the side also brighten the whole dish beautifully, offering a subtle citrus zing that cuts through the butter.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is fantastic too, perfect for mopping up any leftover buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, twirl the pasta into nests on each plate and place a few shrimp perched on top. Scatter parsley and a light drizzle of chili oil over everything for that restaurant-worthy look and an added spicy boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta will keep well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing since the shrimp and pasta can become rubbery or mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated from the fridge within a couple of days.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat in a skillet. You might want to add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce and keep the shrimp tender. Avoid the microwave if possible, because it can dry out the pasta and shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture and ensure better browning and flavor.
How spicy is the Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta?
The chili flakes add a warm, gentle heat that complements but doesn’t overpower the buttery garlic sauce. If you love more spice, feel free to add a bit extra or a dash of hot sauce.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal because they catch the garlic butter sauce well. But you can experiment with penne or rigatoni if you prefer shapes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, then keep the garlic butter sauce. While it won’t be exactly the same, it’ll still be delicious and full of flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. It’s quick to make, stores well in the fridge, and reheats easily, making it a fantastic choice for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about Spicy Shrimp Garlic Butter Pasta—simple ingredients transformed into a dish that tastes like you put in hours of love and skill. Once you try it, this recipe quickly becomes a favorite to pull out whenever you want a cozy, flavorful meal that feels both elegant and comforting. Don’t miss out—your taste buds will thank you!
