Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly easy garlic shrimp pasta recipe brings tender, succulent shrimp together with bright lemon, rich garlic, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a delightful dish that tastes impressive but comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you need a quick family dinner or a delightful meal for guests, this shrimp pasta recipe will become your go-to for its irresistible flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
You’ll adore this dish for countless reasons, making it one of the best shrimp pasta recipes around.
- It’s incredibly quick, ready on the table in under 30 minutes.
- We use only simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have.
- Every bite bursts with savory garlic, zesty lemon, and fresh parsley.
- This dish looks impressive yet is effortlessly simple to prepare for any meal.
- It is easily customizable to suit your preferences and pantry staples.
Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This simple shrimp pasta recipe relies on fresh, quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Gather these items, and you are well on your way to a delicious meal.
- 1 pound of 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, sub 1 to 2 teaspoons of pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¼ cup finely minced fresh parsley
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
Tailor this delightful garlic shrimp pasta to your liking with these handy tips and swaps.
- Pasta: Feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair for a lighter touch.
- Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work beautifully; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry.
- Heat: If you prefer less spice, omit the Fresno pepper. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.
- Wine: No wine? No problem! Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth and a splash of extra lemon juice.
- Cheese: Swap Parmigiano Reggiano for Pecorino Romano if you like a sharper, saltier flavor.
- Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools ready makes preparing this amazing shrimp pasta recipe even easier.
- A large pot is essential for boiling your pasta properly.
- You’ll need a medium to large sauté pan for cooking the shrimp and building the sauce.
- Tongs or a pasta server make transferring and tossing the pasta simple.
- A zester or microplane is perfect for fresh lemon zest.
- A cutting board and sharp knife are necessary for ingredient prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create a fantastic garlic shrimp pasta dish that everyone will love. Mastering these quick shrimp pasta recipes is a breeze.
First, add the pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes for spaghetti. Remember to stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking.
In the meantime, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium to large-sized sauté pan over medium heat. After about one minute, add in the shrimp, spreading them into a single layer. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sauté the shrimp for no more than 90 seconds per side; it is fine if they are slightly underdone at this stage. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside. Return the pan to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Next, add the sliced garlic, diced shallots, and Fresno pepper to the pan. Season gently with salt and sauté for 45 to 60 seconds until everything just begins to soften and gently brown.
Squeeze in the juice of ½ lemon, then deglaze the pan with the white wine. Allow the wine to cook down until only about ¾ cup of liquid remains, which should take 2 to 3 minutes.
Then, add 1 to 1 ½ cups of the reserved pasta water to the pan along with the unsalted butter. Stir until the butter melts completely. By this point, your pasta should be perfectly cooked. Strain the spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the sauce.
Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and toss everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
Finally, gently fold in the cooked shrimp and the finely minced fresh parsley until everything is combined.
Serve your delicious garlic shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with an additional sprinkle of minced parsley, the zest of the remaining ½ lemon, and a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your garlic shrimp pasta to restaurant-quality with these essential tips. These small details make a big difference in all shrimp pasta recipes.
- Perfect Shrimp: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should form a gentle ‘C’ shape and become opaque. For more details on perfectly cooked shrimp, check out these tips on how to tell if shrimp is cooked.
- Dry Shrimp: Always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry before searing for a better, more flavorful crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Sear shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Pasta Starch: Never rinse cooked pasta; the starch helps the sauce adhere beautifully. Culinary experts explain why rinsing pasta is a common mistake that removes essential starches needed for sauce adhesion.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust your sauce by adding a splash of extra pasta water if it seems too thick.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking.
Serving, Storing, and Variations
Make this delicious garlic shrimp pasta a versatile staple in your kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your pasta with a crisp green salad, like an Italian or classic Caesar.
- Serve it alongside some crusty bread or warm garlic bread for dipping.
- Roasted asparagus or tender broccoli make excellent vegetable side dishes.
- Begin your meal with light appetizers such as bruschetta or marinated olives.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate any leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Reheat: Gently warm the leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth. This helps revive the sauce and pasta.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough.
Variations
- Pasta: Experiment with other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, penne, or even rotini.
- Vegetables: Boost your meal with cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or sliced mushrooms added to the sauce.
- Protein: Substitute scallops or cooked chicken for the shrimp if you prefer.
- Creamy: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a touch of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end.
Nutrition Information
This delightful garlic shrimp pasta offers a balanced and flavorful meal.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1029 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 90g |
| Protein | 70g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 412mg |
| Sodium | 686mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about preparing the best garlic shrimp pasta.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Just ensure you thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before cooking for the best sear.
- What type of white wine is best for the sauce? Dry white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, are ideal as they add depth without sweetness to this shrimp pasta recipe.
- How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery? Sear the shrimp briefly, usually no more than 90 seconds per side, until they are just opaque and form a gentle ‘C’ shape.
- Can I make this dish spicier or milder? Yes, you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of Fresno pepper or red pepper flakes.
- What can I use if I don’t have shallots? Finely minced yellow onion or a small amount of sweet onion can be successfully substituted for shallots.
Conclusion
This easy garlic shrimp pasta recipe proves that delicious, restaurant-quality meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With its tender shrimp, vibrant lemon, and aromatic garlic, this dish is a testament to simple ingredients creating incredible flavor. We encourage you to try this quick and satisfying shrimp pasta recipe in your kitchen soon. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a truly delightful meal together! Please share your experience; we love hearing from you!