Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Is it better to cook shrimp in butter or oil for pasta?

Whether to cook shrimp in butter or oil depends on the flavor you want. Butter adds richness and also helps with browning and adding a deep flavor. Oil has a higher smoke point, making it better for high-heat searing, though it adds less flavor than butter. For lemon garlic butter shrimp, I prefer using all butter for maximum richness, but a mix of both is a great option to get a good sear without sacrificing flavor.

Is garlic butter good on pasta?

Absolutely, garlic butter is amazing on pasta! It’s simple, rich, and instantly upgrades plain noodles. The buttery garlic flavor pairs perfectly with shrimp, chicken, veggies, or whatever you’ve got. Want to take it up a notch? Toss in some Parmesan, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs—it’s light, satisfying, and super easy to make.

Ingredients you'll need to make shrimp garlic pasta

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

1. Shrimp – Unless you're buying shrimp straight off the boat, frozen shrimp is usually the best option. Most “fresh” shrimp sold at grocery stores have actually been previously frozen and then thawed for display, which means you're better off buying the prawns frozen so you can control the thawing process and maintain peak freshness.
2. Chicken Stock – I recommend using 33% reduced-sodium chicken stock to give you more control over the salt content in your dish. It enhances the flavor of the sauce without overpowering the delicate taste of the shrimp and lemon.
3. Pasta – I used Cellentani spiral noodles for their fun shape and ability to hold onto the creamy sauce. That said, the butter garlic prawn pairs beautifully with almost any pasta shape, such as penne, linguine, fettuccine, bow tie, spaghetti, fusilli, or ziti—so use whatever you have on hand.
4. Seasonings – A simple blend of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes adds depth and a gentle heat that complements the richness of the butter sauce.
5. Lemon – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter, balancing the flavors.
6. Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan brings a nutty, savory depth that adds complexity and umami to the sauce. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly, making it cling beautifully to the shrimp and noodles.
7. Garlic – This dish leans into garlic in the best way—using a generous amount of minced garlic infuses the butter with bold flavor and enhances every bite. If you’re a garlic lover, don’t be shy!
8. Butter – Butter is the backbone of the garlic sauce, creating a smooth, rich base that feels indulgent and restaurant-quality.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to a separate dish.

2. Add remaining butter to the pan, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until lightly golden. Stir in chicken stock (or pasta water), cream, and seasonings; cook for 1–2 minutes until reduced by half.

3 & 4. Stir in cooked pasta, shrimp along with any accumulated juices, parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Enjoy!

Add Vegetables to your garlic shrimp pasta

1. Broccoli – Blanch broccoli for a couple of minutes along with pasta or sautéed in olive oil before proceeding with the recipe.
2. Spinach – Add baby spinach leaves when the sauce is almost done simmering, and stir to wilt.
3. Zucchini – Saute diced zucchini in olive oil until partially cooked. Transfer to another bowl and continue with the recipe. Toss it back into the simmering garlic butter sauce.
4. Add asparagus – Cut trimmed asparagus into 1-inch pieces and saute along with garlic in the recipe.

Storage and Reheating

This shrimp and garlic pasta dish is best served hot! If you have leftovers, then store for 2 to 3 days in your fridge, in a sealed container. Microwaving at a lower power is the best method to reheat this dish.

To freeze: Freeze in sealed containers or zip lock bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and heat on the stovetop with a splash of stock over low heat or warmed through.

Recipe tips

• Be sure to cook your prawns in a single layer so it gets a golden brown. If you overcrowd the pan, it might steam instead. It’s best to work in batches if your pan is not large enough to fit everything at once.
• Salt depends on the use of chicken stock or pasta water. Adjust based on your taste.
• Use your favorite noodle shape instead of Cellantani.
• Always saute garlic in low heat.
• I used 33% reduced sodium stock. If you are using regular or no sodium stock then adjust salt accordingly.
• Add about ¼ cup heavy cream along with stock for a creamier texture.
• Cook the pasta until just al dente.
• Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta cooking water, it’s quite starchy and great for loosening up the sauce.

Looking for more dinner ideas with shrimp?

Shrimp is not only fast-cooking but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for easy meals that don’t sacrifice taste. Here are few ideas:

• Give instant pot shrimp pasta a try for a comforting dish where shrimp and pasta are cooked together in a rich, tomato cream sauce—all done in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• If you're a fan of garlicky prawns, this 15-Minute garlic butter shrimp is a must-try. It’s outrageously delicious, requires just a handful of ingredients, and comes together faster than takeout.
• Craving something fun and handheld? These air fryer shrimp tacos are packed with crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, fresh toppings, and a creamy, zesty sauce that pulls everything together in every bite.
• For a complete one-pot seafood meal, this instant pot shrimp fried rice is a total game-changer—no leftover rice required.
• In the mood for something with a kick? This firecracker shrimp recipe delivers sweet, spicy, and sticky perfection. Serve it over rice or noodles for a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s better than takeout.
• And if cozy comfort is calling your name, this creamy shrimp soup tastes like something straight out of a high-end Italian restaurant. It’s rich, silky, and unbelievably easy.
• Creamy Tuscan shrimp recipe features tender shrimp in a creamy white parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.