Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp are sautéed in fragrant garlic and olive oil, then tossed with al dente spaghetti, a zesty lemon and white wine sauce, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or your choice of pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to warm up. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: To the same skillet, add the white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.
- Add butter: Stir in the butter until melted and well combined with the sauce, creating a smooth and flavorful base.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing them with the sauce. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Finish with cheese and herbs: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta and shrimp are well coated and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the Garlic Shrimp Pasta and garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation and added taste.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- If you don’t consume alcohol, substitute dry white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps in loosening the sauce to coat the pasta perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
