Name: Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces; 2 tablespoons; 1 pound, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon, optional; 1/2 cup; 1/2 cup; 2 tablespoons; 2 tablespoons; juice of 1/2 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon

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If you crave a dinner that’s as impressive as it is effortless, Garlic Shrimp Pasta has your name on it! Picture succulent shrimp sautéed with golden garlic, swirled into perfectly al dente pasta and finished with a burst of lemon, a hit of spice, and a flurry of Parmesan. In just about 30 minutes, you can plate up this restaurant-worthy main course, guaranteed to wow family and friends. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this zesty Italian-American favorite straight into your kitchen!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe plays a starring role, transforming simple pantry staples into a truly memorable meal. Think of each one as a building block in a flavor powerhouse that delivers on taste, texture, and color.

Spaghetti or linguine (12 ounces): Go for your favorite long pasta—the perfect base for soaking up the garlicky sauce.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Lends a fruity aroma and silky texture for sautéing shrimp to golden perfection.
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The real hero—look for fresh or thawed, tail-on for extra flair.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Boldly aromatic, garlic is the backbone of this dish’s irresistible flavor.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness; adjust to your spice preference.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Deglazes the pan, lifting flavor-packed browned bits for a nuanced sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): A creamy, salty finishing touch that brings everything together.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the sauce with velvety smoothness and an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Gives each plate a flash of color and herbaceous freshness.
Juice of 1/2 lemon: Wakes up all the flavors and brings a bright, zippy finish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient—taste and season as you go!
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just the right finishing warmth and depth.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook it just until al dente—tender but still with a delightful bite. Be sure to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain; it’s the secret to loosening your final sauce to the perfect, glossy consistency.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and black pepper, and let them sizzle for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Watch closely, as shrimp cook super fast! Once they’re done, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside for later.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce

Don’t let those tasty skillet bits go to waste! In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour in your white wine or chicken broth, scraping up every bit of savory goodness stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the liquid reduces and flavors concentrate.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Now, melt the butter into your garlicky sauce, then slide the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Add the drained pasta and use tongs to toss everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired silkiness. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Toss once more until the cheese melts and every strand of pasta is coated in luscious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Dish out generous mounds of Garlic Shrimp Pasta onto warm plates. If you love extra cheese, don’t be shy about adding a final shower of Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately so all those glorious flavors shine at their brightest!

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Finish off your Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a flourish! Scatter over more fresh parsley, a pinch of lemon zest, and a few extra red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. A wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to personalize the brightness of their plate—simple touches elevate both look and flavor instantly.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Garlic Shrimp Pasta with the right sides turns an excellent meal into a showstopper. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce. Light sides like a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed broccolini bring color and balance without overwhelming the star attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to make the evening extra special, twirl the pasta into little nests with tongs and arrange the garlicky shrimp artfully on top. Try serving each portion in shallow bowls for a bit of bistro flair. For a family-style approach, heap everything onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves—it always encourages seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Garlic Shrimp Pasta, tuck it into an airtight container once cooled. Stored in the fridge, it’ll taste fabulous for up to two days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making for an extra-savory lunch or next-day dinner treat.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Garlic Shrimp Pasta if needed. Cool the pasta completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the shrimp might lose some of their signature tenderness and the pasta could soften, but it’s a handy option for busy weeks.

Reheating

To revive Garlic Shrimp Pasta, add a splash of water or broth to the pan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley to brighten up the flavors again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp under cold running water and pat them dry before cooking. Fresh or frozen, both versions work beautifully in this recipe.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?

Yes—chicken broth is a great swap for white wine, and it still adds delicious flavor and moisture to the sauce. You won’t miss a thing!

Can I make Garlic Shrimp Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or linguine. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple substitution.

What other proteins can I use?

Try a combination of shrimp and scallops for a seafood twist, or even toss in a handful of cooked chicken if you like. The garlicky sauce works wonders with both.

How can I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Sauté shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—usually 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re cooked through to keep them juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is truly the sort of dinner that brings excitement to any table—whether it’s a special weekend meal or a midweek pick-me-up. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears. You might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and flavorful dish, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a garlicky, buttery sauce. Quick and easy to make, this recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti or Linguine:

12 ounces

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Large Shrimp:

1 pound, peeled and deveined

Garlic:

4 cloves, minced

Red Pepper Flakes:

1/4 teaspoon, optional

Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth:

1/2 cup

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Butter:

2 tablespoons

Chopped Fresh Parsley:

2 tablespoons

Lemon Juice:

juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook Shrimp: Saute shrimp in olive oil until pink; set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Saute garlic and red pepper flakes, add wine, butter, and shrimp. Toss with pasta, Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice.
Serve: Enjoy immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.