These garlic butter noodles with shrimp are creamy, buttery, garlicky, and just a little bit spicy. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for weeknights (you will feel like you’re eating at a fancy restaurant!)
P.S. I think you will love my French Onion Pasta or Creamy Pasta with Goat's Cheese next time!
Let’s be honest: shrimp + butter + garlic = instant happiness. 🦐
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💰WHY IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
💰Pantry & Freezer Staples: Pasta, butter, garlic, and Parmesan (use grated cheese if you need to) are kitchen staples you probably already have. You’re mostly just grabbing shrimp and maybe parsley. Making a cheap dinner that looks fancy.
💰No Fancy Ingredients: This shrimp and pasta recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients—no specialty sauces or hard-to-find cheeses.
💰 Feeds Four for Less: One pound of shrimp plus 8 ounces of pasta stretches beautifully into a meal for four, making it cheaper than takeout.
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
PASTA OR NOODLES:
Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, angel hair pasta, or even ramen.
BUTTER:
This is where all that silky flavor comes from.
LARGE SHRIMP:
Peeled and deveined (save time and buy them ready-to-go!) King prawns will work too.
CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES:
Optional, but gives that subtle kick.
GARLIC CLOVES:
Garlic lovers, this is your moment.
LEMON JUICE + LEMON ZEST:
Fresh is best for that bright finish.
HEAVY CREAM:
Makes everything luxuriously creamy.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
If Parmesan is too pricey, then opt for any cheese that melts.
CHOPPED PARLEY
For a herby garnish.
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHRIMP AND GARLIC PASTA.
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant – about 30–60 seconds (don’t let it burn!). Turn off the heat, then stir in lemon juice, reserved pasta water, cream, and Parmesan until smooth.
Combine and Serve
Toss cooked pasta into the skillet until well coated. Top with shrimp and sprinkle with parsley. Serve pasta & shrimp immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and perfect.
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❓FAQS
Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a crisp glass of Chardonnay. If you’re feeling extra, finish with a tiramisu dessert for the best Italian dinner.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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GARLIC BUTTER NOODLES WITH SHRIMP (FANCY BUDGET MEAL!)
- Total Time: 5 min Prep Time + 20 min cook Time = 25 min Total Time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If there was ever a dish that deserved a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation, this is it. These garlic butter noodles with shrimp are creamy, buttery, garlicky, and just a little bit spicy. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for weeknights (you will feel like you’re eating at a fancy restaurant!)
Ingredients
8 oz noodles or pasta of choice (remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon salt
5 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup parmesan cheese (or any cheese that melts!)
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant – about 30–60 seconds (don’t let it burn!). Turn off the heat, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, reserved pasta water, cream, and Parmesan until smooth.
Combine and Serve
Toss cooked pasta into the skillet until well coated. Top with shrimp and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and perfect.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast! Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
Don't forget to reserve that pasta water: It’s liquid gold for making the sauce silky and clingy.
Customize It: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra veg power.
Make It Spicy: Extra red pepper flakes = serious flavor.
For a Lighter Version: Swap cream for half-and-half or even a splash of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Family Dinners, Sauces
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian
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