Category : Main Dish
Cuisine : Italian/American
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 20 minutes
Total Time : 35 minutes
Servings : 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh ground pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
Directions:
- Prepare Pasta: Boil the spaghetti noodles in water until tender. Remember to add a dash of oil, salt, and fresh herbs to the boiling water for extra flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prep Shrimp: While the pasta is boiling, wash the shrimp thoroughly.
- Cook Shrimp: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn slightly pink and start to curl.
- Add Garlic: Once the shrimp are partially cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season and Finish Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Italian seasoning, fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Drizzle some olive oil over the shrimp and continue to cook until they are fully pink and curled.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir everything together to combine.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, starting with about 1/4 cup and adding more as needed until the pasta is coated in a flavorful sauce but not swimming in liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Toss all the ingredients in the skillet until well incorporated and heated through. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious garlic shrimp pasta!
This flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love it:
- This dish is bursting with savory garlic flavor and succulent shrimp, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
- The combination of butter, olive oil, and seasonings creates a rich and indulgent sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly.
- It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted with additional ingredients such as fresh herbs, vegetables, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Popular Questions and Answers:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Thaw the shrimp before cooking, and be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I substitute spaghetti noodles with other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine, for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Store the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp separately in the refrigerator, and reheat them in the skillet with the seasonings and pasta water when ready to serve.
How to Store it:
- Store any leftovers of the Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the pasta from drying out, and heat gently until warmed through.