If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances rich buttery garlic flavor with succulent shrimp and tender pasta, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at your own dinner table. Each bite brings a harmony of garlic, lemon brightness, and buttery indulgence that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking a casual weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, giving this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe its incredible flavor, texture, and vibrant appeal. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance between creamy sauce, tender noodles, and perfectly cooked shrimp.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that holds the sauce beautifully and provides just the right bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein; fresh or thawed shrimp ensure juicy, tender morsels.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess that wraps the dish in buttery goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic pungency that infuses every bite with bold flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to enliven the dish without overpowering it.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Provides acidity and depth while helping create a luscious sauce.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes, balancing the richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of color and herbaceous freshness to finish the meal.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): Adds umami richness that takes this dish from great to unforgettable.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a firm bite. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will come in handy later for loosening the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with the optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute just until fragrant — it’s important not to let the garlic brown or burn as that can make it bitter. This step releases the garlic’s bright, aromatic essence that forms the flavor base of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking ensures the shrimp stays juicy and tender rather than rubbery. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth along with the juice of half a lemon, stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the sauce’s flavor and melding the citrusy brightness with the buttery garlic base.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. This step is what makes the sauce rich and luscious, coating the shrimp and pasta in a silky embrace that’s absolutely delightful.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together gently, using some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. This technique ensures the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta and shrimp, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish.
Step 7: Add Fresh Parsley and Season
Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of vibrant color and herbal freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you love Parmesan, sprinkle some grated cheese over the top — it melts into the warm pasta for an extra layer of savory goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely green pop that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting. For an extra touch, freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few lemon wedges can elevate the flavors beautifully and add a bit of rustic charm to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread for dipping, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides complement the garlic shrimp pasta perfectly by adding contrasting textures and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls for an elegant family-style experience, or twirl the pasta into nests on each plate for a sophisticated restaurant vibe. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a colorful, festive presentation sure to impress any guest or family member.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp can release moisture, so keep the sauce and pasta slightly separate if possible to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Freezing
While shrimp pasta can be frozen, the texture of shrimp might change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat your garlic shrimp pasta gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid drying out. Add a little pasta water, broth, or butter to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid using a microwave as the shrimp can become rubbery and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as it is properly thawed before cooking. Be sure to pat the shrimp dry to avoid excess moisture, which can impact the sauce’s texture.
What kind of pasta works best?
Traditional spaghetti is ideal because it holds the sauce and shrimp well, but linguine or fettuccine are also great alternatives if you prefer a slightly wider noodle.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
White wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but you can substitute it with chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. Just be sure to choose something light and flavorful.
How can I make the dish less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes, or reduce them to a pinch. The dish still has plenty of flavor from garlic and lemon without any heat.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe scales up beautifully. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly, and consider cooking the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly flavorful, comforting, and impressive. It’s a dish I love sharing with friends because it feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every garlicky, buttery, lemony bite as much as I do!
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes are tossed with al dente spaghetti in a buttery lemon and white wine sauce, finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Shrimp and sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 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
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside for later use.
- 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.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let the mixture 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.
- Toss together: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Add parsley and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use dry white wine for a more authentic flavor or substitute chicken broth if preferred or avoiding alcohol.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference; omit for no heat.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce for better coating of the pasta.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch.
