Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner idea? This Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is a perfect choice! Packed with succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this flavorful recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Cook together for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in a short amount of time.
- Flavorful: The rich garlic and butter sauce combined with juicy shrimp will make each bite unforgettable.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. You can also swap in other types of pasta or add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time on prep. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic. If you love garlic, feel free to add more to suit your taste.
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, you can add a splash of grated Parmesan cheese while mixing the sauce for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and shrimp in a creamy sauce that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining, this quick recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make, full of flavor, and comforting – it’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner!
Serving and Storage Tips for Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
After plating the garlic shrimp pasta, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also enhances the flavor and adds a creamy richness. - Pair with Sides:
Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a warm ciabatta loaf is also a great option for soaking up any extra sauce. - Wine Pairing:
This dish works wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. The acidity of these wines complements the creamy garlic sauce and shrimp. - Serve as a Light Meal or Entree:
This pasta can be served as a hearty main course or as a lighter option if paired with a side of vegetables. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup like tomato basil soup.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Allow the garlic shrimp pasta to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
- The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
- Freezing:
- While this dish can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may change once thawed. To freeze, store the pasta in a freezer-safe container, ensuring the shrimp is well-covered with the sauce. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream or broth to restore its creaminess.
- Reheating:
To reheat the garlic shrimp pasta, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Pro Tip for Freshness:
If you have any leftover shrimp, it’s best to eat them within a day or two for the best flavor and texture. If reheating shrimp, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your garlic shrimp pasta both immediately after cooking and as a delicious leftover meal!
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this garlic shrimp pasta recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker option. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. - How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like your pasta with a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cayenne pepper or a few finely chopped fresh chilies to the garlic and butter sauce to kick up the spice level. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While garlic shrimp pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. For example, you can cook the shrimp and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta, make the garlic cream sauce, and then toss everything together for a quick meal. - Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version of the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that using milk will result in a thinner sauce, so you might want to adjust the quantity of pasta water added for the right consistency.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with pasta in a light and zesty sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a meal everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
(Serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- Add the lemon juice and butter, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is silky.
4. Combine Everything:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Shrimp Prep: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth or vegetable stock if you prefer not to cook with wine.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and flavor.