Save The first time I made garlic shrimp for friends, I accidentally crowded the pan and ended up with steamed shrimp instead of seared ones. They were still delicious, but that mistake taught me the golden rule: give the shrimp space. Now this penne has become my weeknight savior when I want something impressive but need it on the table fast.
Last summer, my neighbor smelled the garlic butter from her porch and knocked on my door with a bottle of white wine. We ended up eating this on my back porch while the fireflies came out, and it became one of those spontaneous dinners that you remember years later.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes all the difference here, and keeping them dry before searing ensures you get that gorgeous golden crust instead of a rubbery texture
- Penne pasta: The ridges and tube shape capture the garlic butter sauce perfectly, though the recipe works beautifully with whatever pasta you have in your pantry
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic releases more oils and flavor than pre-minced, and four cloves might seem like a lot but the pasta needs every bit of it
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning, and combining it with olive oil prevents the butter from burning over medium-high heat
- Lemon: Both the zest and juice are essential, the zest brings bright aromatic oils while the acid cuts through the rich butter and balances the sweet shrimp
Instructions
- Cook the penne:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it still has a slight bite to it, then remember to reserve that precious half cup of starchy pasta water before draining
- Sear the shrimp:
- Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season them simply, then sear them quickly in hot butter and oil until they turn pink and opaque, working in batches if needed so they do not steam
- Build the garlic butter base:
- In the same pan, sauté the shallots until they soften, then add the garlic for just thirty seconds so it becomes fragrant without turning bitter
- Combine everything:
- Toss the drained penne into the garlic butter, adding that reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce, then gently fold in the shrimp, parsley, and Parmesan until everything is coated and glossy
Save My partner usually claims they do not like seafood, but this is the one exception that proves the rule. Something about the garlic butter and lemon makes the shrimp feel approachable rather than fishy.
The Pasta Water Secret
That cloudy starchy water you saved before draining the pasta liquid gold in the kitchen world. When you toss it with hot butter and garlic, the starch emulsifies everything into a silky sauce that actually clings to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Getting The Perfect Sear
Crowding the pan is the number one mistake home cooks make with shrimp. When they are too close together, they release moisture and steam themselves instead of developing that beautiful golden crust. Work in batches if you need to, because that texture contrast is worth the extra five minutes.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and welcomes substitutions based on what you have or prefer. The basic formula of shrimp, garlic, butter, and pasta works with countless variations.
- Spinach or cherry tomatoes can be added with the garlic for extra color and nutrition
- A splash of heavy cream transforms this into a richer, more indulgent sauce for special occasions
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly here if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions
Save Serve this with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It is fast enough for Tuesday but impressive enough for date night.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Penne is ideal due to its shape which holds the garlic butter sauce well, but linguine or spaghetti can be good alternatives.
- → How do you avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side, to keep them tender and juicy.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular penne with a gluten-free pasta of your choice without compromising flavor.
- → What adds brightness to the sauce?
Lemon zest and juice provide a fresh, bright flavor that balances the richness of garlic butter and shrimp.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce creamier?
Adding a splash of cream to the pasta water or sauce enriches the texture for a silkier finish.