Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Juicy shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery sauce tossed with pasta creates a satisfying and elegant meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and butter until melted and combined, forming a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste dull.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
• Try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the butter.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Shrimp is best when freshly cooked, so avoid reheating multiple times.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them fully in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What type of pasta works best with garlic shrimp?

Spaghetti and linguine are ideal because their long strands mix well with the shrimp and sauce, but you can also use fettuccine or angel hair pasta depending on your preference.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 91 reviews

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce, enhanced with a touch of lemon, white wine, and fresh parsley. Served over al dente spaghetti or linguine and topped with grated Parmesan, this recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner bursting with vibrant, savory flavors.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine pasta

Shrimp

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and unsalted butter into the skillet. Allow the butter to melt fully while stirring to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired. Enjoy warm for the best flavor.

Notes

• Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• White wine adds depth to the sauce but can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
• Red pepper flakes are optional – add if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their tender best and prevent overcooking.

Keywords: garlic shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, easy seafood pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick pasta dinner