Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds large raw shrimp, cleaned and deveined; 8 tablespoons butter; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley; ½ cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes

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Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and indulgent dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in just over 20 minutes. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a splash of chicken broth and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Paired perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this recipe delivers elegance and comfort all in one.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and easy – Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor-packed – The garlic butter and parsley create a rich, aromatic sauce that soaks into every bite.
Versatile – Great with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.
Impressive yet simple – Looks fancy, but is incredibly easy to make at home.
Perfect for entertaining – Crowd-pleasing flavors with minimal effort.
Customizable heat – Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or keep it mild.
Low carb-friendly – Serve with veggies or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Light and satisfying – A seafood dish that feels decadent without being heavy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds large raw shrimp, cleaned and deveined
8 tablespoons butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Set a large sauté pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
Once the butter is melted, sauté the garlic and parsley for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Raise the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth and season with about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Add the shrimp carefully into the pan. Toss gently to coat and cook for 4–5 minutes, ensuring each shrimp gets seared on one side.
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking.
Sprinkle the remaining parsley on top. Add Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

Add pasta directly to the skillet: Toss cooked pasta in the pan before serving for a more unified dish.
Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Use different herbs: Try basil, thyme, or chives in place of parsley for a twist.
Add vegetables: Sauté spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
Add lemon juice or zest: A splash of lemon brightens the dish and balances the butteriness.
Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Add protein: Mix in scallops or chunks of cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
Go dairy-free: Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it promptly.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals at 50% power to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. If they curl too tightly into an “O,” they are likely overcooked.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce and clean the shrimp in advance for quicker cooking.

What type of pasta pairs best with this dish?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well. Thinner pastas like angel hair may get overwhelmed by the sauce.

Can I substitute olive oil for butter?

Yes, though you’ll lose some of the richness. A blend of butter and olive oil can offer a balanced flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The shrimp and sauce are gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free pasta or sides if needed.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or seafood stock are great alternatives.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Yes, marinate them briefly in some of the garlic butter, then grill and serve with the sauce separately.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry. A bit of cream cheese can also help.

What sides go well with garlic butter shrimp?

Crusty bread, pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. With tender shrimp bathed in a savory garlic butter sauce, it’s rich in flavor yet quick to make. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with warm bread, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.