Easy Gluten Free Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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This gluten free garlic butter shrimp pasta tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal, but it comes together in about 30 minutes! Jumbo shrimp are seasoned with Old Bay and cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce before being tossed with tender gluten free fettuccine.

I used Barilla Gluten Free Fettuccine, but you can make this recipe with any gluten free pasta you enjoy. Garnish each plate with fresh parsley for an easy finishing touch that makes this simple dinner look extra fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Ready in approximately 30 minutes
• Made with a handful of simple ingredients
• Naturally flavorful without a complicated sauce
• Easy enough for a weeknight dinner
• Elegant enough for date night or entertaining
• Completely gluten free when prepared with gluten free pasta and seasonings

Ingredients

• 12 ounces gluten free fettuccine or your favorite gluten free pasta
• 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

How to Make Gluten Free Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten free pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.

Before draining, reserve approximately ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Avoid rinsing the pasta because the starch left on the noodles helps the garlic butter sauce cling to them.

2. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with the salt and Old Bay seasoning.

Drying the shrimp is important because it helps them sear instead of steaming in the skillet.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can become rubbery.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant. Watch it carefully because minced garlic can burn quickly.

5. Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the garlic butter. Add a small amount of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together until warmed through.

6. Garnish and Serve

Divide the garlic butter shrimp pasta among four plates. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to give this quick meal a fresh, restaurant-style finish.

Serve immediately while the pasta and shrimp are warm.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Jumbo shrimp cook very quickly. They are ready when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Shrimp that curl into a tight circle may be overcooked.

Reserve Some Pasta Water

Gluten free noodles can absorb sauce quickly. A splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen the garlic butter and makes it easier to coat every noodle.

Cook the Garlic Over Lower Heat

Garlic only needs about a minute to become fragrant. Lowering the heat before adding it helps prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.

Check Your Labels

Always check the labels on your pasta, butter, and seasoning to ensure every product meets your individual gluten free needs. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, also take precautions to prevent cross-contact in the kitchen.

Can I Use a Different Type of Gluten Free Pasta?

Absolutely! Although gluten free fettuccine makes this dish feel especially elegant, nearly any pasta shape will work. Try it with:

• Spaghetti
• Linguine
• Penne
• Rotini
• Angel hair
• Bow-tie pasta

Cooking times vary between brands and pasta shapes, so follow the instructions printed on your package.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! Frozen jumbo shrimp work perfectly in this recipe. Thaw them completely before cooking, remove the shells and tails if desired, and pat them very dry before adding the seasoning.

For the fastest preparation, choose frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.

Can I Make This Dairy Free?

Yes! To make this garlic butter shrimp pasta dairy free, replace the butter with your favorite dairy free butter alternative. Use the same amount and follow the recipe as written. Be sure to check the labels on your pasta, seasoning, and butter alternative to confirm that every ingredient meets your gluten free and dairy free needs.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover garlic butter shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or water. Avoid overheating the pasta because the shrimp can become tough.

A Quick Dinner That Tastes Gourmet

Garlic, butter, seasoned jumbo shrimp, and tender fettuccine create a simple combination that tastes much more elaborate than it is. This gluten free garlic butter shrimp pasta is perfect when you want a quick weeknight meal that still feels a little special.

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving, and you’ll have a beautiful restaurant-inspired dinner on the table in approximately 30 minutes. 

More Easy Gluten Free Dinner Recipes

If you enjoyed this garlic butter shrimp pasta, try one of these easy gluten free dinners next:

• Gluten Free Bang Bang Shrimp
• Gluten Free Penne Alfredo Bake with Italian Sausage
• Gluten Free Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowls