This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish packed with bold seasoning, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Tossed with tender pasta and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The combination of Old Bay seasoning and garlic butter gives this dish a savory, slightly spicy kick that’s hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for seafood lovers and weeknight dinners
- Versatile—pairs well with different pasta types or vegetables
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus lemon wedges for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning until evenly coated.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add shrimp: Return the shrimp to the pan and toss until evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of Old Bay, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy sauce.
- Spicy Cajun Twist: Replace Old Bay with Cajun seasoning for a spicier version.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra nutrition and color.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Do not freeze: Shrimp and pasta tend to lose their texture when frozen and reheated.
FAQs
What is Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay is a classic spice blend known for its bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor, typically used in seafood dishes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.
What type of pasta works best?
Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great choices, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan substitute.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, scallops, chicken, or even tofu can be used instead of shrimp.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from the Old Bay seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or extra seasoning.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through, as overcooking will make them rubbery.
What sides go well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this pasta.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate the extra pasta and shrimp.
Conclusion
This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for any seafood lover. Packed with bold spices, tender shrimp, and a buttery garlic sauce, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a truly irresistible meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that’s loaded with juicy shrimp seasoned with bold Old Bay spices, sautéed in garlic butter, and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant yet easy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the shrimp:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together.
- Add shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and lemon zest.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add lemon juice and stir, scraping any flavorful bits off the pan.
4. Combine pasta and shrimp:
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and stir until heated through.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and extra lemon wedges.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Swap the shrimp for scallops or chicken if preferred.
- For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream after adding the pasta water.