Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, a savory garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. It’s light yet satisfying, and the garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the juicy shrimp and al dente pasta.

The Story Behind Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp and garlic are a classic pairing found in cuisines worldwide, especially in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Garlic shrimp pasta is a popular choice for those looking for a light, yet flavorful meal that combines the freshness of seafood with the savory richness of garlic. This dish brings together simple ingredients that result in a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your home.

Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

Shrimp

Shrimp is the star of this dish, offering a tender and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with garlic. Use large or medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best results.

• Pro Tip: Make sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.

Garlic

Garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish. Its aroma and taste blend seamlessly with the butter and shrimp to create a savory sauce.

• Pro Tip: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.

Pasta

Spaghetti or linguine are ideal choices for this recipe, as their thin shape allows the sauce to coat the noodles evenly.

• Substitution Tip: You can also use fettuccine, angel hair, or penne depending on your preference.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the pan with the white wine (optional) and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and butter, and cook until the butter has melted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss with the pasta.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Garlic Shrimp Pasta immediately, either as a main course or alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.

Variations and Add-Ins

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

For a richer version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce after sautéing the garlic. Let the cream simmer and thicken before adding the pasta and shrimp.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

If you love a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

Gluten-Free Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.
• Low-Carb: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the shrimp and pasta are best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the skillet and toss with freshly cooked shrimp and pasta before serving.

What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.