If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with comforting simplicity, then this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, kissed by a hint of lemon and just the right amount of spice, all tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that brings together fresh ingredients to create a vibrant plate that’s both satisfying and elegant. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe are delightfully straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. From the rich butter that creates the silky sauce to the fresh parsley that adds brightness, every component is essential.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta to carry the sauce and shrimp evenly on every forkful.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, shrimp bring a wonderful seafood flavor and a buttery texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for creating a creamy, rich sauce and gently cooking the garlic and shrimp.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of this dish’s aromatic punch, garlic infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Provides acidity and moisture to sauté the shrimp and develop a flavorful sauce.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens the dish with its fresh, tangy aroma and balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of green color and a fresh, herby note that lightens the overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning fundamentals that elevate the flavors without complexity.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish that complements the shrimp and pasta beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This is important because you want the pasta to have a little bite to stand up to the sauce and shrimp. Once cooked, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s texture later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for about one minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn because that could turn the flavor bitter, and that’s the last thing you want in such a delicately balanced recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside; they’ll be reintroduced shortly to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the pan along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about two minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and amplify its flavors.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the remaining butter until it melts completely, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that will cling beautifully to the pasta. Return the shrimp back into the skillet, add the cooked spaghetti, and toss everything together gently. If the sauce feels too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to loosen it until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Add Fresh Parsley and Season
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve with an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lively green touch, while grated Parmesan cheese provides an irresistible salty finish. For an extra dash of brightness, you can also offer lemon wedges on the side so guests can add a little more citrus zing if they want.
Side Dishes
This flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes also make fantastic complements that bring more texture and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls garnished with whole cooked shrimp on top and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few chili flakes can add an unexpected crunch or spice, showcasing your personal flair while keeping true to the classic Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the shrimp and pasta unevenly. Heating slowly helps maintain the dish’s delicious texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water that can dilute the sauce.
What if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Both provide savory depth without altering the overall flavor too much.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the garlic while sautéing for an extra kick.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Garlic shrimp pasta is best freshly made but can be prepared ahead by cooking the shrimp and pasta separately, storing them without sauce, and combining everything just before serving.
What type of pasta works best besides spaghetti?
Other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine are wonderful alternatives, as they hold the sauce beautifully and complement the shrimp’s texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly a delight that brings restaurant-quality taste right into your home kitchen with minimal effort. Its vibrant flavors and simple steps make it an ideal go-to meal that’s both impressive and comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and share that warm, satisfying feeling it brings to every bite!
Print
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, it combines simple ingredients for maximum taste.
Ingredients
pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
shrimp and sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a silky consistency.
- Add parsley and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if properly thawed.
- Dry white wine adds depth; if avoiding alcohol use chicken broth as a substitute.
- Reserved pasta water helps create a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious umami finish.
