Description
A flavorful and quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, tossed with al dente pasta in a light lemon-butter sauce enhanced by white wine, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels elegant and satisfying.
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 the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until warm. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet along with lemon juice and zest. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and blend flavors.
- Add Butter: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully combined with the sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and toss them with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for balance.
- Serve: Plate the Garlic Shrimp Pasta and garnish with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering down the flavors.
- White wine adds brightness, but chicken broth is a good non-alcoholic alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
