If you’re craving a meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, our Garlic Shrimp Pasta is just what you need. This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious garlic shrimp pasta from scratch!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust quantity based on family size)
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust according to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste, for heat)
- Salt (to taste)
- Herbs (such as parsley or basil, for garnish and added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water for later use if needed, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt and become bubbly.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Season the shrimp with Italian seasoning, fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips and Variations
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Extra Flavor: For added flavor, consider incorporating other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or a splash of white wine.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Our Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously flavorful dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. With its rich garlic butter sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
We’d love to hear how your garlic shrimp pasta turns out! Share your cooking results in the comments or tag us on social media with your tasty creation.