Sizzling Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Seafood Symphony

Pasta lovers crave a zesty garlic shrimp pasta that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Succulent seafood mingles with al dente noodles in a symphony of flavors.

Aromas of fresh herbs and perfectly seared shrimp will make mouths water instantly.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite of this classic dish.

Sea salt and fresh parsley add depth and brightness to every forkful.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes.

I guarantee this recipe will become a fast favorite for weeknight dinners.

Come cook with me and unlock a delicious culinary adventure!

Cooking Garlic Shrimp Pasta From Scratch Made Simple

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

Drop your spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook it exactly as the package recommends. Once tender, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its delicious transformation.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium warmth. Toss in finely chopped garlic and let it dance around the pan.

Stir gently for a quick minute or two until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aromatic charm.

Step 3: Sizzle the Seafood

Time to add the star of the dish – succulent shrimp!

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and look perfectly done.

Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll become tough.

Step 4: Create Silky Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat and introduce a pat of butter to the skillet.

Swirl and stir until the butter melts completely, creating a luxurious coating for your shrimp and pasta.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked spaghetti into the skillet.

Gently toss and twirl the noodles, ensuring every strand gets coated with the magical garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate up this mouthwatering garlic shrimp pasta while it’s steaming hot.

Grab a fork and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Shrimp Pasta Tips to Elevate the Flavor

• Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as shrimp turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Toast garlic briefly to release nutty aroma without burning, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preference, from mild to extra zesty.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for added health benefits.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create smoother, silkier sauce if needed during final mixing.

Tasty Versions of This Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Add diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Creamy Cajun Style: Incorporate heavy cream and Cajun seasoning to create a rich, spicy sauce that transforms the classic garlic shrimp pasta into a hearty Southern-style dish.
• Lemon Herb Seafood: Enhance the recipe with fresh lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a splash of white wine to brighten the seafood's natural flavors and add a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Veggie-Loaded Version: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, vegetable-packed pasta experience.

What to Serve With Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Match: Unleash a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or bright Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich garlic butter sauce, balancing the shrimp's delicate flavor with its refreshing acidity.
• Herb-Infused Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the shrimp's succulence.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Partner: Prepare a light lemon-dressed arugula salad with shaved Parmesan to add a bright, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate and adds nutritional balance to the rich pasta dish.

Store Garlic Shrimp Pasta the Right Way

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and shrimp together. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Shrimp texture might slightly change upon thawing.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure uniform warming. Stop heating once steaming hot to prevent rubbery shrimp texture.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti is ideal, but you can also use linguine or fettuccine for similar texture and flavor absorption.

• How can I tell if the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and curls into a “C” shape when it’s done. Avoid cooking longer than 2-3 minutes per side to prevent rubbery texture.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the entire dish gluten-free. Always check seasoning ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps, this garlic shrimp pasta comes together in minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Flavor-Packed Satisfaction: Packed with bold garlic, zesty red pepper flakes, and succulent shrimp, the recipe delivers a restaurant-quality taste that will excite taste buds and impress dinner guests.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable for different occasions like weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this dish can be easily customized with additional ingredients or served as a standalone meal.
• Protein-Rich Comfort Food: Combining lean protein from shrimp with satisfying pasta, this recipe offers a balanced and nutritious meal that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients for a wholesome dining experience.

Ingredients to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Tonight

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta shape that provides a perfect base for holding the rich garlic butter sauce.

• Shrimp: Tender and succulent seafood that adds a delightful protein element to the dish.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A combination of spices and aromatics that create a robust and flavorful profile for the shrimp and pasta.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential ingredients that provide richness, depth of flavor, and help create a smooth, silky sauce coating the pasta.

• Fresh Herbs, Parmesan Cheese: Adds a fresh, bright finish and an extra layer of flavor to the completed dish.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to dinner tables with luxurious simplicity. Creamy sauce, perfectly seared shrimp, and al dente pasta create a quick gourmet meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger in one delicious swoop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed

Starches:

• 1 pound spaghetti noodles

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 68 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare spaghetti in generously salted boiling water at a rolling temperature for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until aromatically fragrant without browning.
3. Incorporate raw shrimp into the infused oil, seasoning comprehensively with Italian herb blend, cracked pepper, kosher salt, and optional fiery red pepper flakes. Sear protein for 2-3 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform golden coloration and complete cooking.
4. Reduce flame to low, introducing cold butter and gently swirling until completely melted, creating a silky emulsified sauce coating the skillet’s interior.
5. Transfer drained spaghetti directly into the garlic-shrimp landscape, expertly tumbling noodles to guarantee uniform sauce distribution and maximum flavor absorption.
6. Perform a quick taste assessment, modifying seasoning as necessary. Optional elegant finishing touches include delicate fresh herb sprinkles or grated Parmesan cheese cascade.
7. Plate immediately while piping hot, presenting a vibrant, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired culinary creation ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

• Toast garlic gently to prevent burning and maintain its sweet, mellow flavor without turning bitter or acrid.
• Select medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and best texture, ensuring they remain tender and juicy without becoming rubbery.
• Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for individuals with dietary restrictions, maintaining the recipe’s core essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg