Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Description

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish made with succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery, garlicky sauce, then tossed with pasta and fresh herbs. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp & Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil.
5. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

7. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Add red pepper flakes and deglaze with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any bits from the pan.
9. Stir in lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

10. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
11. Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
12. Toss everything together and finish with chopped parsley.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

13. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Notes & Tips

✅ Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work well too. Just thaw them before cooking.
✅ Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking makes them rubbery.
✅ Wine Substitute: If you don’t want to use wine, replace it with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
✅ Add Veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions.
✅ Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy garlic shrimp pasta.

Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 4
Per Serving:

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fats: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

Health Benefits

✔ High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, aiding muscle growth and repair.
✔ Rich in Omega-3s: Shrimp contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
✔ Garlic Boosts Immunity: Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
✔ Low in Calories: This dish is filling without being overly heavy.
✔ Rich in Antioxidants: Lemon juice and parsley provide vitamin C and antioxidants.

Q&A

❓ Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well.

❓ Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

❓ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end and just warm them through to avoid overcooking.

❓ What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.