Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garlic shrimp pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky sauce. The shrimp are sautéed in olive oil, creating a delicious base for the pasta coated in a creamy, savory sauce.

The dish is often served with spaghetti or linguine, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs adds layers of flavor, while the shrimp provides a tender and satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic shrimp pasta is delicious and packed with flavors and benefits that make it a go-to dish. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

Quick and Easy to Prepare: Garlic shrimp pasta can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, perfecting it for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Packed with Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, making this dish a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying a hearty meal.

Impresses Every Time: Despite being simple to make, this dish always impresses. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates an elegant meal that feels fancy without the hassle.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

To make a delicious garlic shrimp pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp add a sweet, succulent flavor.
• Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine, for the perfect base.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced or chopped, gives the dish its signature flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp, olive oil adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Cream: Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these bring out the ingredients’ natural flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, is used as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds a savory, cheesy flavor that complements the shrimp and pasta.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz. pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out. At this point, you can add heavy cream for extra creaminess.
5. Finish the Dish: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Variations

There are many ways to personalize your garlic shrimp pasta to match your taste preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Mix in heavy cream or cream cheese to make the sauce creamy and indulgent.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish to add a zesty citrus flavor that complements the richness of the garlic sauce.
• Vegetable Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Serving garlic shrimp pasta is simple, but there are ways to elevate the experience:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on the pasta for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Pair with a Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.

Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is a great side dish to soak up the extra sauce.

Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, perfectly complements the seafood and buttery sauce.

Storage Tips

Garlic shrimp pasta can be stored for later meals, but it’s best to follow these storage tips to maintain its freshness:

Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing: If you want to store it longer, freeze the pasta in a sealed container. Be sure to freeze it without the shrimp to avoid altering the texture, as shrimp can become tough after freezing.

Reheating: When reheating, use low heat on the stove or microwave and add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs About Garlic Shrimp Pasta