Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta Recipe
Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish made with tender shrimp, scallops, or your favorite seafood tossed in a buttery garlic sauce and served over pasta. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers craving a comforting, restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients List
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 oz scallops or your favorite seafood mix
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Juice of ½ lemon
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add shrimp and scallops. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just opaque.
Add remaining butter and a splash of pasta water. Toss in cooked pasta and lemon juice. Stir well until everything is coated and heated through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if using. Serve immediately.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings
Serves 2–3
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 420
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Seasonal Relevance
Ideal for spring and summer, but great year-round for seafood dinners and special occasions.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta is rich, garlicky, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that comes together quickly and always impresses—perfect for date nights or indulgent dinners.
Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta Recipe
2–3
servings10
minutes15
minutes420
kcalGarlic Butter Seafood Pasta combines juicy shrimp, tender scallops, and pasta in a creamy, garlicky sauce. A simple yet elegant dish for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 oz scallops or your favorite seafood mix
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Juice of ½ lemon
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and scallops. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just opaque.
- Add remaining butter and a splash of pasta water. Toss in cooked pasta and lemon juice. Stir well until everything is coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if using. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use fresh or good-quality frozen seafood for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook shrimp and scallops to keep them tender.
Add extra lemon or Parmesan at the end to brighten the dish.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: What pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine pair beautifully with garlic butter sauce.
Q3: Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default. Add red pepper flakes to increase heat to your liking.
