Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
If you love the irresistible combination of tender shrimp infused with garlic and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta, then this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. It’s a celebration of simple yet bold flavors, cooked up in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic’s aromatic punch melds beautifully with succulent shrimp and a touch of fresh herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe shines because it uses a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but essential for packing incredible flavor and the right balance of textures and colors on your plate.
- 1 lb medium shrimp: deveined and tails removed for ease of eating and a tender bite.
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles: the perfect base to twirl around shrimp and soak up that garlicky sauce.
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced: fresh garlic is the star that brings bold flavor and a mouthwatering aroma.
- 1/4 cup butter: adds richness and helps create that luscious, velvety sauce.
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles): used to sauté shrimp and garlic, boosting the dish’s depth and complexity.
- Italian seasoning: a blend of herbs that adds a warm, inviting herbal note.
- Fresh ground pepper: for a slight kick and to enhance the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): add a subtle heat for those who like a little spice.
- Salt: essential to bring out all the vibrant flavors.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil): add brightness and a fresh pop of color just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite to complement the shrimp without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you work on the shrimp sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden but not burnt, around 1-2 minutes. Immediately add the shrimp and sprinkle with salt, fresh ground pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This step is crucial for locking in juiciness and flavor that will shine throughout the dish.
Step 3: Toss Together Pasta and Shrimp
Lower the heat and add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly, allowing it to soak up the garlic-infused butter. This creates that irresistible, cohesive Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe flavor where each bite has just the right balance of buttery, garlicky goodness and tender shrimp.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Finally, sprinkle your fresh parsley or basil on top. These herbs add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness and brings a lively touch to each mouthful. Give everything one last gentle toss, and your dish is ready to delight.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe truly stand out, sprinkle with extra fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a lovely salty, nutty layer, and a wedge of lemon on the side gives an optional citrus zing that brightens the whole dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also works perfectly, soaking up every last drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with whole cooked shrimp on top and herb sprigs for an elegant touch. Alternatively, plate the pasta wrapped gently around a fork to create beautiful spirals and drizzle extra butter sauce over before serving to make each portion visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the shrimp can become firm if overcooked when reheated, be sure to store the pasta and shrimp together to retain moisture.
Freezing
This is a dish best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, separate the shrimp and pasta beforehand; pasta freezes better on its own. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or butter to help revive the sauce’s softness and prevent shrimp from drying out. Microwaving works too, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent them from searing properly and developing that delicious golden crust.
What type of pasta works best with Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Spaghetti is classic and works beautifully, but feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold onto the garlicky butter sauce well.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. They are optional, so you can leave them out entirely for a mild dish or add a pinch to give a subtle kick that complements the garlic and shrimp flavors nicely.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking times might vary slightly, so just keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly, as they balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce with refreshing acidity, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that feels both simple and special, and this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s a flavorful, quick, and easy meal that I can’t wait for you to try, whether for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. Once you taste those garlicky, buttery shrimp twirled with perfectly cooked pasta, it will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with spaghetti noodles and finished with fresh herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust based on family size)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, fresh ground pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the pasta seems dry, to help coat the noodles evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or basil over the top. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best texture and taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted for heat tolerance.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
