Description
This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that’s loaded with juicy shrimp seasoned with bold Old Bay spices, sautéed in garlic butter, and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant yet easy dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
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 ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the shrimp:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together.
- Add shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and lemon zest.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add lemon juice and stir, scraping any flavorful bits off the pan.
4. Combine pasta and shrimp:
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and stir until heated through.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and extra lemon wedges.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Swap the shrimp for scallops or chicken if preferred.
- For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream after adding the pasta water.