Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta

When I first made this Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it reminded me of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table just to enjoy a simple yet flavorful meal. Shrimp and garlic have always been a reliable combination, and with the cream cheese and Parmesan blended in, the result is a creamy pasta that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

 

What is Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a creamy seafood pasta dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the richness of butter and garlic. This recipe balances creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make. The cream cheese and tomato paste form the heart of the sauce, giving it a velvety consistency that coats every strand of fettuccine perfectly.

It’s a comforting recipe inspired by Italian flavors but adapted to the Filipino kitchen—simple, affordable, and flavorful. If you enjoy recipes like Chicken Alfredo Pasta or Creamy Seafood Pasta, this dish offers that same satisfying creaminess but with a lighter, buttery twist.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – sweet and tender seafood that absorbs flavor beautifully
• Egg fettuccine nest – flat noodles that hold creamy sauce perfectly
• Garlic – provides aroma and depth of flavor
• Chili flakes – add a mild heat
• Grape tomatoes – bring sweetness and freshness
• Tomato paste – gives richness to the sauce
• Cream cheese – adds creaminess and body
• Chicken broth – serves as the flavorful base of the sauce
• Italian seasoning – adds herby aroma and flavor
• Sharp cheddar cheese – boosts richness and creaminess
• Parmesan cheese – adds saltiness and nutty flavor
• Basil leaves – add freshness and color
• Olive oil – for sautéing and marinating
• Butter – brings richness and aroma
• Water – for cooking pasta
• Salt – enhances overall taste
• Ground black pepper – for a subtle spicy finish

For the marinade:

• Salt – seasons the shrimp evenly
• Ground black pepper – adds light heat
• Lemon juice – balances out the butter’s richness
• Olive oil – helps the flavors coat the shrimp

1. Marinate the shrimp
   Combine shrimp with salt, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well and marinate for at least five minutes.
2. Cook the shrimp
   Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the marinated shrimp until it turns orange, about one to two minutes per side. Set aside.
3. Boil the pasta
   Boil water with salt. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping some pasta water for later.
4. Sauté the aromatics
   Melt butter and add olive oil. Sauté garlic, chili flakes, and tomatoes until the tomatoes soften.
5. Simmer the sauce
   Add tomato paste and chicken broth. Stir and simmer for about three minutes.
6. Add the cream cheese
   Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the sauce until smooth.
7. Return the shrimp
   Add Italian seasoning and the sautéed shrimp. Simmer for another three minutes.
8. Add cheeses and basil
   Mix in cheddar, Parmesan, and basil leaves. Add pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
9. Season and toss
   Sprinkle ground black pepper, then toss in the fettuccine until well coated with sauce.
10. Serve
    Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm. Share and enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy

This Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with a slice of Garlic Bread or a light Caesar Salad. If you want to add variety to your table, serve it with some Crispy Baked Chicken Wings for a satisfying meal. A cold drink or glass of white wine completes the experience perfectly.

How This Dish Stands Out

This pasta stands out because it strikes a balance between rich and light. The butter and cream cheese make it indulgent, while lemon juice and tomatoes add freshness. The shrimp provides sweetness that complements the sauce beautifully. Every bite tastes creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned—simple ingredients, but restaurant-quality flavor.

• Use linguine or spaghetti instead of fettuccine.
• Swap shrimp for chicken breast, salmon, or scallops.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Replace cream cheese with all-purpose cream for a lighter version.
• Adjust chili flakes to make it milder or spicier.

Storage and Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
• Reheat slowly over low heat, adding a bit of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Do not freeze to avoid sauce separation.
• Stir gently while reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry to avoid watery sauce.
• Can I replace cream cheese with milk? Yes, it makes the sauce lighter but slightly less rich.
• Can I make it spicier? Add more chili flakes or a bit of fresh chili for stronger heat.
• How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating? Reheat over low heat and add a splash of broth or milk as it warms.
• Can I cook the sauce ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate it for up to a day and reheat gently before adding the pasta.

Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a dish that turns ordinary ingredients into something special. Every forkful brings creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and rich garlic flavor that feels both comforting and refined. It’s perfect for busy nights, special dinners, or simply when you crave a taste of comfort. Try it once, and it might become your new family favorite.