Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta 🍝🦐🧄

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of savory garlic, buttery richness, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes makes this dish irresistible.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying meal step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
2. Versatile : Customize with veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition.
3. Restaurant-Quality Flavor : A rich garlic butter sauce elevates this dish to gourmet levels.
4. Customizable Heat : Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your liking.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for a date night, family dinner, or even meal prep.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 lb medium shrimp , deveined and tails removed
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust quantity as needed )
• 6–8 garlic cloves , minced (adjust to taste )
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 drizzles olive oil (about 1–2 tablespoons )
• Italian seasoning , to taste (about 1 teaspoon )
• Fresh ground pepper , to taste
• Red pepper flakes , to taste (optional, for heat )
• Salt , to taste
• Optional garnish : Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional add-ins : Lemon wedges, grated Parmesan cheese, or sautéed vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and half of the butter.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side , or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil and the remaining butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds , stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
2. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Season with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Enjoy your Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot!

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp : Shrimp cooks quickly—remove it from the skillet as soon as it turns pink to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
2. Use Fresh Garlic : Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to jarred or powdered garlic.
3. Add Veggies : Sauté spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli alongside the garlic for extra color and nutrition.
4. Make It Creamy : Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
5. Save Pasta Water : The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles, creating a silky texture.

Perfect Pairings

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread : Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting touch.
• Side Salad : A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
• Wine Pairing : Pair with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Steamed Vegetables : Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans complement the dish perfectly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~50g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its creamy garlic butter sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. So grab your skillet, mince that garlic, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.