Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Enhanced with a hint of red pepper flakes, white wine, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a deliciously light yet satisfying dish ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use white wine for a more authentic flavor, or substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to emulsify and loosen the sauce for better coating.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if desired.
- Ensure shrimp is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch when served.
