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I’m excited to share my go-to garlic shrimp pasta recipe with you! This dish is perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, tasty, and a hit with my family.
As a busy parent, I love easy dinners that taste great. This garlic shrimp pasta is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s full of garlicky, buttery shrimp flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love this shrimp pasta recipe for its simplicity and flavor. The pasta ingredients are easy to find and the garlic butter sauce is amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt, crushed red pepper, and smoked paprika to taste
If you’re missing something, don’t worry. I’ve got some substitutes for you. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead. For a creamier sauce, add some milk to the pasta water. This shrimp pasta recipe is very flexible.
My secret tip? Grate your own Parmesan. It melts better in the garlic butter sauce and tastes richer. Trust me, it changes everything in this dish!
Instructions
I start by boiling the noodles as the package says. While they cook, I get the garlic butter sauce ready. In a big skillet, I melt butter and cook minced garlic until it smells great.
Then, I add lemon juice and a bit of pasta water to make a smooth sauce.
For the shrimp, I season them with salt and pepper. Then, I cook them in the skillet until they turn pink and look opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. After that, I set them aside.
Once the noodles are done, I drain them and keep a cup of the starchy water. I mix the noodles with the garlic butter sauce in the skillet. I add Parmesan cheese and some pasta water to get the right consistency.
Then, I add the cooked shrimp back in. Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This whole recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to make.
Here are some quick tips for cooking pasta:
- Salt the pasta water for more flavor
- Save pasta water to adjust the sauce
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender
This garlic shrimp pasta is perfect for a quick, tasty dinner. The garlic butter sauce is easy to make but packs a lot of flavor. It always gets a thumbs up from everyone.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love sharing my shrimp cooking tips to help you make the best garlic shrimp pasta. Cook them quickly, just a few minutes on each side until they turn pink. This makes them tender and juicy.
For the sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts smoothly and makes the sauce creamy.
One of my favorite tricks is saving some pasta water. Add it slowly to the sauce to get the right consistency. It’s like magic! A little smoked paprika adds a special flavor. Try it and see how much you like the smoky taste.
- Cook shrimp quickly
- Use freshly grated Parmesan
- Save pasta water for sauce adjustment
- Add smoked paprika for depth
For the best taste, eat your garlic shrimp pasta right away. The sauce stays creamy and the flavors are perfect. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it or enjoy it cold as a pasta salad. It’s always tasty!
“The key to perfect garlic shrimp pasta is quick cooking and fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to save some pasta water – it’s the secret to a silky smooth sauce!”
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new things with this garlic shrimp pasta recipe. You can change the pasta shape to penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti squash for a low-carb choice. For those who eat gluten-free, corn or rice pasta are great options.
For the sauce, you can make it lighter with milk instead of heavy cream. Or, for a richer taste, use full-fat cream or mix milk with cornstarch. If you like your pasta extra saucy, just add more sauce ingredients.
Top your shrimp pasta with fresh Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve it with warm garlic bread for dipping. Or, add a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. These easy additions make this dish feel like a fancy restaurant meal at home.