Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly easy garlic shrimp pasta recipe brings together tender shrimp, bright lemon, and savory garlic in one delicious dish. It is perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a quick yet elegant solution. You will create an impressive, simple meal that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
You are going to adore this shrimp pasta recipe for many reasons. It truly makes baking simple for busy parents and beginners!
- Lightning Fast: Get a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the bright, savory notes of garlic and lemon paired with perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: Achieve an impressive dish using readily available, everyday items from your pantry.
- Easily Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice.
- Crowd-Plasing Comfort: It is a comforting and satisfying meal that will delight everyone at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for our delightful shrimp pasta recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building this dish’s incredible flavor profile. We focus on quality ingredients to make your cooking experience enjoyable and the results delicious.
- 1 pound dry spaghetti pasta
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pounds peeled and deveined 16/20 shrimp
- 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 peeled small-diced shallot
- 1 seeded small-diced Fresno pepper, or substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon, divided
- 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¼ cup finely minced fresh parsley, divided
- Zest of ½ lemon, for garnish
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even delicate angel hair pasta.
- Shrimp: Use fresh 16/20 shrimp for the best texture, or ensure your frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Heat: For a spicier kick, use red pepper flakes instead of Fresno pepper, or adjust the amount to your preference.
- Wine alternative: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth makes an excellent substitute for deglazing.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Butter: If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking this shrimp pasta recipe a breeze. These common kitchen items are all you need.
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Medium to large sauté pan
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Microplane (for lemon zest)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and quick shrimp pasta recipe that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ensures a perfect meal every time.
- Start the Pasta: Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook according to the package instructions; spaghetti typically takes 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil to a medium to large-sized saucepan over medium heat. After heating for one minute, add the shrimp, spread them evenly, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for no more than 90 seconds. It is okay if they are slightly underdone at this stage. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Return the pan to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic, shallots, and Fresno pepper (or red pepper flakes) to the pan. Gently season with salt and sauté for 45 to 60 seconds until everything just begins to gently brown.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Squeeze in the juice of ½ lemon. Deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the liquid reduces to about ¾ cup, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Next, add 1 to 1 ½ cups of the reserved pasta water to the pan along with the unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce emulsifies slightly.
- Combine Pasta: By now, your pasta should be done. Strain it immediately and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, tossing until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Finally, fold in the seared shrimp and ¼ cup of finely minced fresh parsley. Gently mix until everything is combined and the shrimp are warmed through.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp pasta immediately. Garnish each plate with an additional sprinkle of minced parsley, the zest of ½ lemon, and a final squeeze of the remaining ½ lemon juice for a burst of fresh flavor.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect results with these essential tips for your delicious shrimp pasta recipe. Avoid common pitfalls to make your cooking experience smooth.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
- Pat shrimp dry: Always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before searing. This helps them get a beautiful, golden crust.
- To ensure your shrimp are juicy and tender, not rubbery, it’s helpful to understand how to avoid common shrimp cooking mistakes.
- Sear in a single layer: Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even searing.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Look for a "C" shape; an "O" shape means they are overcooked and rubbery.
- Never rinse pasta: Rinsing cooked pasta removes its starchy coating, which helps the sauce cling better.
- Understanding the culinary science behind why salting pasta water is crucial can significantly elevate the flavor of your dish.
- Generously salt pasta water: Salting your pasta water makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of your dish. It should taste like the ocean!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: This is the most common mistake. Remove shrimp from heat just as they turn pink and form a "C" shape.
- Not seasoning pasta water: Bland pasta leads to a bland dish. Always salt your pasta water adequately.
- Crowding the pan with shrimp: Too many shrimp lower the pan temperature, steaming them instead of searing.
- Using dried herbs instead of fresh: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor and aroma that dried herbs cannot replicate in this dish.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delightful pasta with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the savory sauce.
- Add a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to complete your nutritious meal.
- Start your dinner with Italian-inspired appetizers like bruschetta or marinated olives.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and add moisture.
- Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating; warm just until hot.
Recipe Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms with the pasta for added nutrients and flavor.
- Different protein: Experiment with pan-seared scallops, chicken, or even slices of grilled salmon for a unique twist.
- Creamy version: For a richer sauce, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end.
- Spicier dish: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love extra heat.
Nutrition Information
This shrimp pasta recipe offers a balanced meal. The values below are estimates per serving for our easy garlic shrimp pasta.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 310mg |
| Sodium | 470mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 42g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation, and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fresh vs. frozen shrimp: Which is better?
Fresh shrimp often offers superior texture and flavor. However, thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly if it’s good quality and you pat it very dry before cooking.
What type of wine should I use for this shrimp pasta recipe?
Always choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Vermouth. Never cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink yourself.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can chop your garlic, shallots, and parsley in advance. It’s best to cook the shrimp and pasta right before serving for optimal texture.
How do I avoid rubbery shrimp?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for only 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and form a "C" shape. Remove them from the pan immediately.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus are excellent additions. Sauté them with the garlic and shallots, or stir in fresh spinach at the very end.
Conclusion
This easy garlic shrimp pasta recipe proves that simple ingredients can create truly elegant and delicious meals. It is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a fast yet flavorful solution for dinner. We hope you enjoy making this satisfying dish as much as you will enjoy eating it. Try this recipe tonight and share your comments and feedback – we love hearing about your kitchen successes!