Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, then tossed with pasta for a simple yet luxurious meal. Here’s a straightforward recipe for making Garlic Shrimp Pasta:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh citrus kick)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente.
- Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together until the shrimp are well distributed and heated through.
6. Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest for a fresh, citrusy flavor boost.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Serve:
- Plate the garlic shrimp pasta, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for color and a bit of freshness.
- Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.
Tips:
- Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They cook very quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough.
- Customize the pasta: You can use any kind of pasta you like—spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne or rigatoni work well.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Extra veggies: If you want to add vegetables, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even broccoli would be great additions to this dish.
Enjoy!
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for a cozy dinner. Would you like suggestions for a side dish or a drink pairing to go with this meal?
