Shrimp and Garlic Pasta Recipe – A Simple and Delicious Dinner Idea

Shrimp and garlic pasta is one of those dishes that manages to be both elegant and quick to prepare. This flavorful combination of juicy shrimp and fragrant garlic, served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, is a satisfying meal that feels special while being incredibly simple to make. Whether you're preparing a meal for guests or just looking for a quick dinner idea, this pasta dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful shrimp and garlic pasta, gather the following ingredients:

• Pasta: 400 grams (14 oz) of spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer.
• Shrimp: 400 grams (14 oz) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
• Garlic: 6–8 cloves of garlic, finely minced or thinly sliced.
• Olive oil: 4 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for extra richness.
• Lemon: The juice of one fresh lemon, to add brightness to the dish.
• Fresh parsley: A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Red pepper flakes: (Optional) For a hint of heat.
• Pasta water: 1/2 cup reserved from the cooked pasta to help create the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a shrimp and garlic pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by cleaning and preparing the shrimp. If you haven't already, peel and devein the shrimp, making sure to remove any shells. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when you bite into it.

While the pasta is cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help you create a velvety sauce later. Once the pasta is done, drain it, and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced or sliced garlic. Stir the garlic constantly, being careful not to let it burn. You want the garlic to become golden and fragrant, which will infuse the oil with its rich aroma.

If you like a bit of heat, this is a good time to add red pepper flakes. A pinch or two will bring a subtle spiciness to the dish, balancing the richness of the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan with the garlic and olive oil. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the shrimp on each side for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.

Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

With the shrimp removed, lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and the butter to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the butter has melted and combined with the garlic-infused oil. The starchy pasta water will help emulsify the sauce, creating a light, flavorful coating for your pasta.

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the sauce, stirring to incorporate its bright, tangy flavor. The lemon juice adds a fresh contrast to the rich garlic and butter.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce until each strand is well coated. If the pasta seems too dry, you can add a bit more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Once the pasta is well coated, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness. If you love a little extra brightness, you can also add more lemon zest at this point.

Your shrimp and garlic pasta is now ready to serve! Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and enjoy it while it’s hot. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp and Garlic Pasta

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp tend to have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than frozen shrimp. However, if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic can go from golden and fragrant to bitter in seconds. To avoid burning, keep the heat moderate and stir the garlic constantly.
• Al dente pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente ensures that it holds up well when tossed in the sauce, giving your dish the perfect texture.
• Adjust the heat: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or serve them on the side so each guest can adjust the heat to their liking.

Variations on Shrimp and Garlic Pasta

This basic shrimp and garlic pasta recipe is highly versatile, and you can make several variations depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add vegetables: You can toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers to add more color and nutrition to the dish.
2. Swap the shrimp: If you prefer, you can use scallops, calamari, or even chicken in place of the shrimp.
3. Try different herbs: While parsley is traditional, you can experiment with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp and garlic pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to elevate your dinner, consider pairing it with a light side dish. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables can complement the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it with a crusty loaf of bread to help soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Shrimp and garlic pasta is a winning combination that brings together simple, high-quality ingredients for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a more special gathering with friends. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying, while still being quick and easy to make.

Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic and shrimp with every bite of this delicious pasta dish.