Description
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this simple yet gourmet-worthy recipe uses minimal ingredients and offers versatile options to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen peeled shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help create your sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Toss well to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly in the garlicky olive oil mixture.
- Season and Garnish: Sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Finish with a generous handful of chopped parsley for freshness and color. Give it one last toss before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubberiness.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce to the noodles.
- Cook garlic gently over medium heat to prevent bitterness.
- Add red pepper flakes gradually to adjust spice level to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Garlic Shrimp Pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, shrimp pasta, Italian pasta dish, weeknight meal, seafood pasta