Why You’ll Love this Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta
When you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and impressive, this garlic butter seafood pasta delivers on all fronts.
I’m talking restaurant-quality deliciousness in under 20 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want to feel fancy without the fuss.
The combination of tender scallops and plump shrimp bathed in garlicky butter sauce will make your taste buds dance.
Trust me, the simplicity is deceptive. Ever noticed how the best dishes often have the fewest ingredients?
This pasta lets the seafood shine while the butter and garlic create that irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone gathering in your kitchen, wondering what smells so divine.
What Ingredients are in Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta?
This garlic butter seafood pasta is all about simplicity meeting luxury. The ingredients list might look short, but don’t be fooled—each component plays a vital role in creating that restaurant-worthy flavor profile. I’m particularly fond of how the delicate sweetness of scallops and shrimp pairs with the aromatic garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that feels special without requiring a culinary degree to execute.
- 16 ounces thin spaghetti
- 1 pound bay scallops
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- A dash of onion salt
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
When shopping for this recipe, quality really matters, especially with the seafood. Look for scallops that are slightly translucent (not bright white, which indicates they’ve been treated with chemicals) and shrimp that smells fresh, not fishy. You could substitute linguine or fettuccine for the spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. And while pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, freshly grated Parmesan will elevate this dish to true dinner-party status without much extra effort.
How to Make this Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta
Creating this luxurious seafood pasta is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort.
Begin by bringing 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil, then add 2 heaping teaspoons of salt—this isn’t just a suggestion, folks, properly salting your pasta water is the difference between bland and beautiful pasta.
Add your 16 ounces of thin spaghetti and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Some like it al dente with a bit of bite, others prefer it softer—you do you.
While your pasta bubbles away, it’s time to create that mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that makes this dish so special. In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until it becomes fragrant and slightly foamy.
Add 2 crushed garlic cloves (and let me tell you, the aroma at this point is absolutely divine), along with a dash of onion salt, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. This combination creates a simple yet incredibly flavorful base that’ll have everyone wondering what your secret ingredient is.
Now for the star players—1 pound of bay scallops and 1 pound of medium shrimp. Gently add these to your fragrant butter mixture, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
This is the moment where patience pays off; sauté just until the shrimp lose their translucency and turn pink, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes. The cardinal rule here? Don’t overcook your seafood! Nothing ruins this dish faster than rubbery shrimp and tough scallops.
Once done, simply serve this glorious mixture over your drained spaghetti, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and maybe a touch more butter if you’re feeling indulgent.
The result is a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this garlic butter seafood pasta? I’ve tried countless variations over the years.
Swap in lobster or crab meat for luxury, or use clams for a briny twist. Don’t have seafood? Chicken works surprisingly well with the garlic butter sauce.
Gluten-free? Try rice noodles or zucchini spirals instead of spaghetti.
For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the butter sauce. Want heat? Red pepper flakes bring a wonderful kick.
Vegetarians can substitute mushrooms for that meaty texture. Trust me, sautéed shiitakes absorb the garlic flavor beautifully.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Seafood Pasta
Now that you’ve mastered the pasta recipe itself, let’s talk about what goes alongside it.
This garlicky, buttery seafood pasta actually works beautifully with simple accompaniments. I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
Garlic bread might seem redundant with all that garlic in the pasta, but trust me, can you ever have too much garlic?
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc elevates the whole experience.
For a complete meal, consider roasted asparagus or broccoli. The green veggies add color and balance to your plate.
Final Thoughts
While this garlic butter seafood pasta may seem luxurious, it’s actually one of the simplest restaurant-quality meals you can make at home. I find myself turning to this recipe whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
The key isn’t overcooking those delicate scallops and shrimp—they need just enough heat to turn opaque.
I’ve made this countless times, sometimes adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness. Trust me, your family will think you’ve been taking secret cooking classes.
Who needs expensive seafood restaurants when your kitchen produces results this good?
