Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired meal featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and finished with butter and fresh parsley, this dish offers a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Toss everything together: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss to combine. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter or gluten-free option.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the butter.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Use chicken broth as a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine.
