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I’ve got a treat for you today! Let’s talk about my favorite easy pasta dish: garlic shrimp pasta. This quick weeknight meal is a game-changer. Picture this: juicy shrimp swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce, all mixed up with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Yum!
In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-worthy shrimp spaghetti. It’s my go-to when I’m craving something fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your family will think you’ve suddenly become a top chef!
Ready to dive into this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love this garlic shrimp pasta recipe! Let’s look at what you’ll need for the pasta. You’ll need 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The main ingredient is 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
For the garlic butter sauce, you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
The shrimp seasoning is easy: 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget 3 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.
Want to try something different? Use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free choice. For a creamier sauce, use 1 1/2 cups of milk instead of water. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the milk for heavy cream. Regular paprika is fine if smoked paprika is hard to find.
The secret to great garlic shrimp pasta is using fresh ingredients and a tasty garlic butter sauce. Let’s start cooking!
Instructions
I start by cooking pasta as the package says. While it cooks, I season the shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, I melt butter with olive oil in a big skillet and cook the shrimp until they turn pink and curl a bit. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Next, I make the garlic butter sauce. In the skillet, I melt more butter and add minced garlic. I cook it until it smells great. Then, I add fresh lemon juice to the mix.
To make the sauce smooth, I slowly add some pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the sauce just right.
For the last step, I mix the cooked pasta with the garlic butter sauce. I make sure all the pasta is covered. Then, I add the sautéed shrimp back in. Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and taste.
- For a creamier version, replace pasta water with heavy cream
- If using milk, whisk it with cornstarch before adding to the pan
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency
This garlic shrimp pasta is my go-to recipe for a quick yet impressive dinner. The combination of succulent shrimp and rich garlic sauce never fails to satisfy.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I’ve learned some cooking tips to make your garlic shrimp pasta great. Choose big shrimp, about 21-30 per pound, for a nice bite. Cook them in batches so they all get perfectly seared.
For sauce consistency, use pasta water. Save a cup before draining your pasta. It helps adjust your sauce. For a light sauce, try milk with a bit of cornstarch. Heavy cream makes the sauce richer.
Grate your Parmesan fresh for the best results. It melts and makes the sauce silky smooth. Serve your pasta right away for the creamiest taste. It’s totally worth it!
Storing leftovers is easy. Put your pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can eat it cold, like a pasta salad, or reheat it gently. Just remember, it might be a bit different after reheating.
- Use large shrimp for best results
- Cook shrimp in batches
- Grate Parmesan fresh
- Save pasta water for sauce adjustment
- Enjoy leftovers cold or reheated
With these tips, you’re ready to make garlic shrimp pasta that will wow everyone!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love to mix things up with this garlic shrimp pasta recipe. Try using linguine or fettuccine for a fun twist. If you want more sauce, just add more sauce ingredients.
Boost nutrition by adding spinach or cherry tomatoes. For side dishes, crispy garlic bread or a light salad are great choices. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always a good idea.
For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Or squeeze some lemon for a bright kick. This makes the dish even tastier.
Craving a smoky flavor? Use smoked paprika when seasoning the shrimp. This dish goes well with a glass of white wine for a special dinner. With these tips, you can try new things every time you make this meal.