If you’re craving a show-stopping dinner that comes together in no time but absolutely dazzles with flavor, look no further than Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This crowd-pleasing classic pairs juicy, tender shrimp with pasta swirled in a garlicky, lemony, buttery sauce—all finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you please, a snowfall of Parmesan. It’s bright, satisfying, and luxurious, yet so achievable even on your busiest weeknight. Whether you’re wooing guests or simply treating yourself, you’ll find yourself coming back to Garlic Shrimp Pasta again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Shrimp Pasta is in its simplicity—every ingredient has a job to do, and together they create something truly memorable. These pantry and fridge staples come together so effortlessly, yet the end result is an absolute flavor bomb.
- Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine are both perfect here—they soak up the garlicky sauce and provide the best twirl.
- Shrimp: Go for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for ease and a meaty, succulent bite in every forkful.
- Olive Oil: A good, fruity olive oil is the flavor base for your sauce, giving your pasta delicious richness.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced—because you can’t have Garlic Shrimp Pasta without an assertive punch of real garlic.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with a gentle, pleasant heat that isn’t overwhelming.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Adds brightness and just the right touch of acidity; use whichever you have on hand.
- Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons deliver fresh, citrusy zing and balance out the richness of the butter and oil.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the sauce, making it glossy and bringing all the flavors together.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning as you go—shrimp loves a little salt and plenty of pepper.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A handful added at the end gives a pop of herbal freshness and turns the dish a beautiful green.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that nutty, savory kick to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—it should taste like the sea. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook just until al dente, following your package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about a half cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for creating a luscious, clingy sauce. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and get excited for what’s next.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta is bubbling away, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In goes your minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Stir for about a minute—just until the kitchen smells heavenly and the garlic is golden but not brown. This quick sauté sets the whole dish’s flavor foundation.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Push the garlic to the edges and add your shrimp in a single layer. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sizzle about two to three minutes per side, just until they’re pink and opaque—avoid overcooking for that perfect, springy texture. Once they’re done, scoop out the shrimp and keep them warm.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
With all those flavor bits left in the pan, pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and squeeze in your lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits—that’s where so much flavor hides! Let this simmer for a couple minutes, so the alcohol bubbles off (if using wine) and the liquid reduces slightly. Next, stir in the butter, swirling until it melts and the sauce turns glossy.
Step 5: Toss and Finish the Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated in that beautiful, garlicky sauce. Drizzle in a splash or two of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to every strand. Finish with fresh parsley and an optional shower of Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
The right garnish makes all the difference for Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Freshly chopped parsley brings an herbal brightness, while a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds delicious depth. For a little extra zing, try a few curls of lemon zest or a final twist of cracked black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pairing is part of the fun! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh and balances the rich, buttery pasta. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce, and a bowl of simply roasted vegetables (think asparagus or cherry tomatoes) rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta in shallow pasta bowls and artfully arrange the shrimp on top. For parties, you can swirl the pasta into elegant nests on a platter, or use individual ramekins for a more sophisticated look. Don’t be afraid to add a little dramatic flair with a tableside Parmesan grating for your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days, though it’s at its absolute best fresh from the stove.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Garlic Shrimp Pasta, shrimp can lose its tender texture and the sauce won’t be quite as silky once thawed. If you must freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container for up to one month, knowing the quality will be best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Avoid microwaving; gently reheating on the stovetop keeps the shrimp from turning rubbery and helps the sauce stay creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear beautifully and don’t add excess water to the pan, which can dilute the sauce.
What’s the best type Main Course
Spaghetti or linguine are classic, but angel hair or fettuccine also work beautifully. The most important part is to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up when tossed with the sauce and shrimp.
Is it necessary to use wine in the sauce?
No worries if you’d prefer not to—replace it with chicken broth and you’ll still have a bright, delicious sauce. If you do use wine, choose a dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best results.
How can I make Garlic Shrimp Pasta dairy-free?
Simply skip the Parmesan or swap it for a plant-based alternative. Also, substitute the butter for a quality vegan butter to keep the sauce creamy but completely dairy-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Toss in a handful of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking, or add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color. The beauty of Garlic Shrimp Pasta is how wonderfully adaptable it is to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with Garlic Shrimp Pasta—simple ingredients, exceptional results, ready in a flash. If you’ve never made it at home, this is your sign to go for it! Once you’ve tasted those juicy shrimp and that irresistible garlicky sauce, you’ll want this dish on repeat. Grab your pasta, pour a glass of something nice, and let yourself fall in love with Garlic Shrimp Pasta tonight.
Print
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes are tossed with pasta in a buttery white wine sauce. Finished with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add shrimp, cook until pink, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with wine and lemon juice. Stir in butter.
- Combine and Serve: Toss pasta and shrimp in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use linguine, angel hair, or fettuccine for this dish.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *