GARLIC Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

GARLIC Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Whip It Up With Jay on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $17.05 total, $4.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Angel Hair Pasta (dry)
  • 12 oz Medium Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined (tails off)
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic (freshly minced)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach (fresh)
  • 1 tsp Dry Seasoning Mix (Italian herb blend)
  • 0.25 cup White Cooking Wine (dry white wine)
  • to taste Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, add the angel hair pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: high

  2. Sauté Garlic and Butter

    In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Add Veggies

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Deglaze & Season

    Pour in the white cooking wine and let it reduce for about 1 minute. Sprinkle the dry seasoning mix, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Cook Shrimp

    Add the shrimp to the skillet, spreading them evenly. Cook for 3‑4 minutes, stirring halfway, until the shrimp turn pink and curl.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat evenly and heat through, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Plate and Garnish

    Transfer pasta to plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free by omitting butter and cheese

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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GARLIC Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Whip It Up With Jay

A quick and flavorful Italian‑American pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic‑butter sauce, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and a splash of white wine, tossed with angel hair pasta and finished with Parmesan.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.05
Total cost
$4.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook pasta al dente
  • Do not overcook shrimp
  • Sauté garlic without burning
  • Season properly before adding shrimp

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use caution when sautéing butter and oil; it can splatter.
  • Cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure safety.
  • Wash hands after handling raw shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in Italian-American cuisine?

A

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta reflects the Italian‑American tradition of adapting coastal Italian seafood dishes with richer butter‑based sauces popular in the United States. It became a staple of quick weeknight meals for families seeking the comfort of pasta combined with the luxury of shrimp.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of garlic butter shrimp pasta in Italy?

A

In coastal regions like Campania and Sicily, shrimp are often cooked with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, while in the north, butter and white wine are more common. Some versions add lemon zest or chili flakes for a spicier kick.

cultural
Q

How is garlic butter shrimp pasta traditionally served in Italian households?

A

It is typically served family‑style in a shallow bowl, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino or Parmesan and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. A side of crusty bread is common to mop up the sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is garlic butter shrimp pasta commonly associated with in Italian-American culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, it is a popular dish for casual gatherings, weekend family dinners, and summer barbecues where fresh seafood is in season. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for entertaining.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional garlic butter shrimp pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh shrimp, garlic, unsalted butter, extra‑virgin olive oil, dry Italian herbs, and a dry white wine. Substitutes can be olive oil instead of butter, chicken broth for wine, or gluten‑free pasta for those with dietary restrictions.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp pasta?

A

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a simple Caprese make excellent side dishes. For a fuller meal, serve with garlic‑bread or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter shrimp pasta?

A

Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery, under‑seasoning the sauce, and letting the pasta sit too long, causing it to become mushy. Also, avoid burning the garlic, as it turns bitter.

technical
Q

Why does this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe add white wine before the shrimp instead of after?

A

Adding the wine early allows it to deglaze the pan, lift the browned bits from the garlic and butter, and reduce, creating a richer, more integrated sauce. If added later, the shrimp would not benefit from the aromatic base.

technical
Q

Can I make garlic butter shrimp pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead. Store the sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce, briefly warm the pasta, then combine and finish with fresh Parmesan before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Whip It Up With Jay specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Whip It Up With Jay specializes in fast, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on flavorful, everyday meals using simple techniques and pantry‑friendly ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Whip It Up With Jay's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Whip It Up With Jay emphasizes minimal prep time and one‑pan methods, often swapping traditional ingredients for more accessible alternatives, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate, multi‑step Italian recipes. Jay’s style is geared toward busy home cooks who still want authentic taste.

channel

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