Description
A quick and easy garlic shrimp pasta that’s ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Salt generously. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and pink.
- Lower the heat and add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Transfer to plates, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a richer sauce, substitute half the olive oil with butter. Use long pasta for better coating, but short shapes absorb flavors well. Shrimp can be thawed under cold running water quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian