This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner! Juicy shrimp and spaghetti come together with a zesty garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
You won’t believe how fast this comes together—just sauté, toss, and serve! I always add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra yumminess. Your family will ask for it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I like using spaghetti for this dish because it pairs perfectly with shrimp. However, you can swap it out for penne or linguine if you prefer. Both options work wonderfully!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp is a handy alternative. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. For a fun twist, you could use scallops instead!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch, but if you don’t have any on hand, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but dried parsley can be a good alternative if you’re in a hurry. Just remember to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is my go-to, but feel free to use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Cooked Just Right?
Cooking shrimp might seem tricky, but it’s super easy once you know the timing. The key is to keep an eye on the color and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat and add olive oil and butter until it’s nice and hot.
- Lay the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as they won’t cook evenly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for that lovely pink color and firmness. Overcooking can make them chewy, so watch closely!
- Once done, remove them from the pan to avoid further cooking, and then toss them back in with the pasta at the end.
Perfectly cooked shrimp will make your pasta dish shine!
How to Make Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, and then just a few minutes to plate it up and enjoy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti (or pasta of choice) and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Wait until the mixture is melted and shimmering — this is where the flavor magic happens!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! Sauté everything for about 1 minute, giving it a good stir often. You want the garlic to be fragrant, but be careful not to let it turn brown.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside — we don’t want them to overcook!
5. Combine the Pasta:
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet where the garlic sauce is. Toss it around to coat the pasta evenly in the garlicky goodness.
6. Mix in Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, making sure to add that delicious lemon juice over the top. Toss everything together gently, allowing the flavors to mingle.
7. Finish with Fresh Parsley:
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a bright burst of flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your pasta and top it with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve it hot, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Bon appétit! Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic needed. Just remember that garlic powder is more concentrated, so you might want to adjust to taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available, including rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta that will work well with the garlic shrimp sauce!
