Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a savory garlic-butter sauce. This recipe balances simplicity and elegance, making it a fantastic choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
With a hint of red pepper for a gentle kick, Parmesan cheese for creaminess, and fresh parsley for brightness, this dish delivers a harmony of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare and utterly delicious, Garlic Shrimp Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for busy nights.
Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and red pepper flakes creates an irresistible sauce that’s light yet indulgent.
Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or swap spaghetti for your favorite pasta.
Elegant Yet Simple: This dish feels fancy enough for entertaining but is straightforward enough for a casual dinner.
Key Ingredients
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti is the ideal choice for this dish, but you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the star of this recipe. Tail-on shrimp add visual appeal, but tail-off makes eating easier.
Garlic: Six cloves of minced garlic bring bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce. For an even stronger garlic kick, roast the garlic before adding it to the skillet.
Olive Oil and Butter: This combination gives the sauce richness and depth. Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness of the butter and shrimp. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the pasta, enhancing the dish with its nutty, salty notes.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the overall flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water for flavor.
Cook Pasta: Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter melts and sizzles.
Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add Shrimp: Toss 1 pound of raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) into the skillet.
Cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to coat the pasta in the garlicky butter sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Season: Add Italian seasoning and salt to taste.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until melted and incorporated.
Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate: Serve hot, directly from the skillet or transfer to individual plates.
Optional Toppings: Offer additional Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides:
Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a touch of sweetness.
Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs perfectly with the garlic and shrimp.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Freezing: While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the shrimp separately for up to 2 months and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Variations
Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy, indulgent version.
Vegetable-Loaded: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli florets for added color and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter dish.
Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh basil or thyme into the sauce for a different flavor profile.
Citrusy Boost: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, refreshing note.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate blend of simplicity and elegance, making it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again. The tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a satisfying, flavorful meal that never fails to impress.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté the shrimp shells in the olive oil before starting the recipe, then remove them to create a more flavorful base.
So, grab your skillet, boil some pasta, and let the aroma of garlic and butter fill your kitchen. Trust me, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite!
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat to avoid overcooking.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp and toss to coat in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and Italian seasoning to taste. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until melted and incorporated. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve the pasta hot, either directly from the skillet or on individual plates. Offer additional Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
