Short Description
This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, buttery dish packed with garlicky shrimp, a touch of spice from Old Bay seasoning, and perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy yet light sauce makes it an irresistible meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 25 minutes
- Loaded with garlicky, buttery shrimp flavor
- A perfect balance of spice and creaminess
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Customizable with different pasta and add-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Old Bay seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Lemon juice
- Chicken broth or white wine
- Heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp – In a bowl, toss shrimp with Old Bay seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce – In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Combine Everything – Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing in the garlic sauce. If making a creamy version, stir in heavy cream. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together.
- Adjust and Serve – If needed, add reserved pasta water for extra moisture. Top with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Old Bay Shrimp Pasta: Add ½ cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use less butter and swap heavy cream for a splash of milk.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can lose texture when frozen and reheated.
FAQs
What is Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay is a blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices commonly used for seafood.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well, but any pasta shape is fine.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan and cream.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook quickly—only 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end to warm them through rather than cooking them again.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
Use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper.
Can I use another protein?
Yes! Chicken, scallops, or even crab meat work great.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add more butter and let it simmer slightly, or stir in a bit of cornstarch slurry.
Can I add wine to this dish?
Yes! A splash of white wine enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you prefer a creamy or light version, this pasta is packed with bold garlic, buttery shrimp, and just the right amount of spice. Try it tonight for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintOld Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect blend of zesty, buttery, and garlicky flavors with a kick of Old Bay seasoning. Juicy shrimp are tossed with al dente pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce—quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine (or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in lemon juice and reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan (if using).
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more Old Bay or lemon juice if needed.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parsley, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Old Bay.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a rich, creamy version.
- Use different pasta: Works great with fettuccine, angel hair, or penne.
- Spice level: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.