Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces 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
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 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 to adjust sauce consistency.
- Sauté 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 the garlic burn to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Cook 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 to prevent overcooking.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet along with the lemon juice and zest. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted and well combined with the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing them together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the Garlic Shrimp Pasta and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
- Reserve pasta water carefully to avoid losing starchy liquid that helps thicken the sauce.
- For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth instead of white wine.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its best texture.
