Name: Grilled Shrimp Pasta Recipe – 5-Minute Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, for grilling, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil); 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine); 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling shrimp); 3 cloves garlic (freshly minced, for flavor); 1 cup heavy cream (creates a creamy sauce); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, adds richness to the sauce); 1 tsp lemon zest (adds a fresh citrusy note); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (for garnish); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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This grilled shrimp pasta recipe is the ultimate combination of smoky, garlicky, and buttery flavors, perfectly coating every strand of pasta. Juicy, char-grilled shrimp bring a delightful smokiness, while the garlic butter sauce adds richness and depth. With a touch of fresh lemon juice, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes, every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick shrimp pasta dinner or an easy seafood pasta recipe for a special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you need a delicious, hassle-free meal. Trust me—this one’s a game-changer!

Looking for more delicious meals? Try Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich for another flavorful dish you’ll love!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a quick meal, a date-night seafood recipe, or a dish to impress guests, this one always delivers!
Quick and Easy Seafood Pasta – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight shrimp pasta recipe when you need something fast but delicious.
Bold and Flavorful – The grilled shrimp bring a smoky, charred taste that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter pasta sauce for an irresistible bite.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – This creamy shrimp pasta recipe has a rich, silky sauce that makes it feel like a gourmet dish without the hassle.
Light Yet Indulgent – Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, this garlic butter shrimp pasta feels satisfying without being too rich.
Versatile and Customizable – Use your favorite pasta for shrimp, adjust the spice level, or swap in different cheeses and herbs for a personal touch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious grilled shrimp pasta:

Shrimp – The star of the dish! Use large shrimp for the best texture.
Pasta – Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work great here.
Olive Oil – Helps the shrimp grill beautifully and keeps the pasta silky.
Garlic – Adds that irresistible aromatic depth.
Lemon Juice – Brightens up the dish with a fresh, tangy kick.
Butter – For that rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory, umami boost.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but great for a little heat!
Fresh Parsley – Brings freshness and a pop of color.
Salt and Pepper – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.

The ingredient measurements will be listed in the recipe card under the article.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Then, add your pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for the sauce!

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Close-up of shrimp cooking on a grill with a brush of garlic butter being applied.

Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill on medium-high heat until it’s ready for use. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a pan over medium heat, let the butter melt completely before adding garlic, then sauté it until its enticing aroma fills the air. Stir in some of that reserved pasta water, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese to create a silky sauce.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta and grilled shrimp to the sauce. Toss until everything is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Grilled Shrimp Pasta

A plate of grilled shrimp pasta with garlic butter sauce, Parmesan, and parsley, ready to be enjoyed.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – The key to juicy grilled shrimp is cooking them for just 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred. Shrimp can easily become rubbery if overcooked, so it’s important to watch them carefully while cooking!
Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor – Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor in your garlic butter shrimp pasta compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Reserve That Pasta Water! – Adding starchy pasta water to the shrimp pasta sauce helps create a smooth, velvety texture that clings to every strand.
Grill Shrimp on Skewers for Easy Flipping – If you’re using an outdoor grill, threading shrimp onto skewers prevents them from falling through the grates and ensures even charring.
Choose the Right Pasta – Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best for this seafood pasta recipe because they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Enhance the Smoky Flavor – Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning for an extra smoky kick that complements the grilled shrimp pasta sauce perfectly.
Balance the Acidity – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the buttery shrimp pasta.
Upgrade with Fresh Herbs – Toss in some fresh parsley, basil, or chives for an extra layer of freshness that elevates the dish.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Pasta

With Garlic Bread – A warm, crispy garlic butter bread is the perfect side to soak up every last drop of that delicious shrimp pasta sauce.
With a Fresh Salad – Pair your grilled shrimp pasta recipe with a light Caesar salad, arugula salad, or a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
As a Fancy Date-Night Dish – Serve with a glass of white wine for shrimp pasta, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
With Roasted Vegetables – Oven-roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add a delicious, slightly caramelized flavor that complements the garlic butter shrimp pasta beautifully.
Topped with Extra Parmesan and Herbs – A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley takes this creamy shrimp pasta recipe to the next level.
Make It Spicy – If you love heat, top your spicy shrimp pasta with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot chili oil for an added kick.
Turn It Into a Seafood Feast – Serve alongside other seafood favorites like crab cakes, seared scallops, or a seafood salad for a full-on seafood pasta dinner experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the grilled shrimp up to 24 hours in advance—this enhances the flavor and makes cooking even faster.
Cook the pasta for shrimp pasta ahead of time, drain, and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the dish.
The garlic butter shrimp pasta sauce can be prepped a few hours ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply warm it up slowly before mixing it with the pasta.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If the pasta sauce thickens, add a splash of warm water or broth before reheating to restore its silky texture.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze grilled shrimp pasta, as the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may lose its smooth consistency.
However, you can freeze grilled shrimp separately for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag. Simply thaw in the fridge and reheat before adding to fresh pasta.

Reheating

Avoid Overheating: Shrimp can turn tough if reheated too aggressively, so keep the heat low and slow for the best texture.

Stovetop (Best Method): Warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a little olive oil or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs About Grilled Shrimp Pasta

Can I use frozen shrimp for this grilled shrimp pasta recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture so they get that perfect charred shrimp texture on the grill.

What’s the best pasta for shrimp pasta dishes?

For the best results, linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully in this grilled shrimp pasta recipe because they hold onto the sauce well. However, you can also use penne or rigatoni if you prefer a shorter pasta shape.

How can I make this shrimp pasta spicy?

To turn this into a spicy shrimp pasta recipe, simply add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of spicy chili oil to the sauce. You can also mix in some chopped fresh jalapeños for extra heat.

Can I make this shrimp pasta without grilling the shrimp?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the shrimp in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. This still gives you a delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta without needing a grill.

Conclusion

This grilled shrimp pasta recipe is the perfect balance of smoky, garlicky, and buttery flavors, making it an instant favorite for seafood lovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick shrimp pasta dinner, an elegant date-night pasta recipe, or a restaurant-quality shrimp dish you can make at home, this one checks all the boxes. With juicy grilled shrimp, a flavorful garlic butter pasta sauce, and a touch of Parmesan and lemon, every bite is pure perfection.

Grilled Shrimp Pasta Recipe – 5-Minute Flavorful Delight

Author: Chef Rory
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of juicy, perfectly grilled shrimp and tender pasta, all tossed together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish is sure to impress. Trust me, you’re going to love this light yet indulgent pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavor!

Instructions

Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Cook the Pasta: While the shrimp is grilling, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, bring it to a simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until well coated. Stir in the lemon zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve: Serve the creamy pasta topped with grilled shrimp. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for a touch of acidity.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
To ensure the shrimp stay juicy, don’t overcook them. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them on the grill.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling and Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean