Craving a rich, decadent pasta dish that comes together in minutes without the heaviness of cream? You’ve found it. This garlic butter shrimp pasta without cream is a revelation, delivering a luscious, restaurant-quality sauce that perfectly coats every strand of linguine. It’s the perfect answer to the weeknight dinner dilemma, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
We’ll harness the power of starchy pasta water and a simple emulsion technique to create a velvety sauce that you’ll swear has cream in it. Get ready to impress yourself, your family, and anyone lucky enough to be at your dinner table.
Why This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a Weeknight Winner
When you need a meal that’s both fast and flavorful, this recipe is the ultimate solution. It’s designed for the enthusiastic home cook who appreciates elegance and efficiency in equal measure.
- Incredibly Fast: From pantry to plate in just 20 minutes, it’s faster than ordering takeout.
- Simple, High-Impact Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a dish bursting with flavor.
- Surprisingly Light: Enjoy all the rich, buttery goodness you crave without the heavy feeling of a cream-based sauce.
- Endlessly Adaptable: This recipe is a perfect canvas. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
The Secret to a Creamy Sauce (Without Cream!)
The magic behind this recipe lies in a classic culinary technique: emulsification. By vigorously whisking the hot, starchy water left over from cooking your pasta into the garlic butter and wine reduction, you create a stable, creamy sauce. The starch released from the pasta acts as a binder, allowing the fat (butter and olive oil) and the liquid (wine and lemon juice) to meld into a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp and pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on the quality of its components. Choose the best you can find for a truly memorable meal.
For the Shrimp & Pasta
- Pasta: 8 oz long pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, extra virgin.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, cut into pieces.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, thinly sliced.
- Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Lemon: 1 whole, for juice and zest.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat).
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a flawless finish every time. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as the cooking process moves very quickly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Sear the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Emulsify: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol. Now, add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the juice of half a lemon. Bring to a simmer and whisk vigorously to start creating the emulsified sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss continuously to coat the pasta. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan along with the chopped parsley and the zest of one lemon. Continue to toss everything together, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too thick. Season with additional salt and pepper to your liking.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
A few smart choices at the grocery store can elevate this simple dish into a culinary masterpiece.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
For the best flavor and texture, opt for large (21-25 per pound) or jumbo (16-20 per pound) shrimp. Raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp will save you prep time. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
The Best Pasta for This Dish
Long pasta shapes are ideal for this recipe as they provide the perfect vehicle for the glossy garlic butter sauce. Linguine is a classic choice, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even bucatini work beautifully. The key is to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you add it to the sauce.
A Note on White Wine
Choose a dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking, like a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine adds a crucial layer of acidity and depth. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth with an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your garlic butter shrimp pasta is flawless every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook in a matter of minutes. The moment they turn pink and curl, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: The water should taste like the sea. This seasons the pasta from the inside out and is the foundation of a flavorful dish.
- Never Rinse Your Pasta: The starch on the surface of the cooked pasta is essential for helping the sauce cling to it and for creating that creamy texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley make a world of difference. Avoid the pre-minced garlic in a jar for the best, most aromatic flavor.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in a cup of cherry tomatoes, a handful of spinach, or some steamed asparagus at the end for a boost of color and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped chili to the garlic and butter.
- Go for a Different Protein: This sauce is also wonderful with seared scallops or even shredded chicken.
What to Serve with Shrimp Pasta
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sauce. For something heartier, consider some crusty bread for dipping or a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli.
The Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Without Cream (The Best 20-Minute Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the juice of half a lemon. Bring to a simmer and whisk vigorously.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss continuously to coat. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan along with the chopped parsley and the zest of one lemon. Continue to toss, adding more pasta water as needed to keep the sauce glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Tip 2: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold! It's the key to the creamy sauce, so don't forget to reserve it before draining your pasta.
Tip 3: Use a good quality block of Parmesan cheese for grating over the top for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Just make sure the frozen shrimp are fully thawed before you begin. For the best results, pat them completely dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which ensures they will sear nicely rather than steam in the pan.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });The key is to avoid overcooking them. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1-2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately. They will continue to cook slightly when you add them back to the pasta at the end.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });The secret is using the starchy water left over from cooking your pasta. The starch acts as an emulsifier, binding with the fat (butter and olive oil) to create a smooth, glossy, and surprisingly creamy sauce without any dairy.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even reserved pasta water. Add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice to mimic the acidity the wine provides.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });Long pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini are excellent choices because they provide plenty of surface area for the delicious garlic butter sauce to cling to.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this dish, you might also enjoy exploring some of our other popular recipes. Try our Classic Italian Meatballs (coming soon) for a comforting Sunday dinner or our One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken (coming soon) for another easy weeknight option.
Your New Favorite Pasta Awaits!
We hope you love this garlic butter shrimp pasta without cream as much as we do. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need heavy ingredients to create a deeply satisfying and elegant meal. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your beautiful dish on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
