Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A quick and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta combining succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta for a vibrant, easy weeknight meal bursting with bold tastes and minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be gluten-free if gluten-free pasta is used; dairy-free options possible
Shrimp and Protein
- 12 oz medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce and Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Oils and Fats
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter together. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Toss everything together over low heat to meld the flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Toss the pasta one last time and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for sweeter flavor and better texture.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Reserve pasta water as its starchiness makes the sauce silky and helps it cling to pasta.
- Finely mince or crush garlic for even flavor distribution.
- Add fresh parsley at the end to brighten the dish and provide a fresh aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Garlic Shrimp Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Seafood Pasta, Weeknight Meal, One-Pot Pasta