Easy Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

I’ve been making this Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to my dinner table!

The combination of juicy shrimp and buttery garlic sauce coating tender pasta creates pure magic in your mouth.

You can have this restaurant-quality dish ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special.

Why Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Feels Like a Little Bowl of Joy

My family requests this pasta dish constantly, and I know yours will too! The garlic butter sauce is rich without being heavy, and the shrimp cooks to perfect tenderness in minutes.

I love how it feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for Monday night.

You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

I always try to use wild-caught shrimp when my budget allows—the flavor is truly worth it! If you’re using frozen shrimp like I often do, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine everything: Add the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss to combine.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

If you enjoyed this Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti, I think you’ll also love my The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole and Easy Baked Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole.

My Favorite Tips for Making Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti at Home

I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way! Always cook your pasta al dente—it’ll continue cooking slightly when you add it to the hot sauce.

I pat my shrimp completely dry before cooking to get that perfect sear.

For extra flavor, I sometimes toss in a splash of white wine with the lemon juice. My daughter loves when I add halved cherry tomatoes at the end for a pop of color and freshness.

And trust me on this: fresh garlic makes a world of difference compared to the pre-minced kind!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

I use frozen shrimp all the time. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, and pat them dry before cooking.

This prevents them from becoming rubbery and helps them sear properly.

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What can I substitute for the spaghetti?

Any pasta works beautifully in this recipe! I’ve made it with linguine, fettuccine, and even penne.

For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash—I make it this way during the summer months when I want something lighter.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

This is something I’ve learned through experience! Perfectly cooked shrimp form a “C” shape and turn from translucent gray to opaque pink.

If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. It only takes 2-3 minutes total for medium-large shrimp—I watch them like a hawk!

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My Serving Suggestions

I love serving this Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. A piece of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a special occasion, I start with a small appetizer of bruschetta and finish with tiramisu for dessert.

This has become our traditional anniversary dinner because it feels special without keeping me in the kitchen all evening.