Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A quick, delicious pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, golden garlic, and silky noodles in a light, flavorful sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Main Ingredients

1 lb 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined Preferably large shrimp for juiciness.
8 oz 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair) Any type of pasta can work.
5-6 cloves 5–6 garlic cloves, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
2 tbsp 2 tbsp butter, unsalted
2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil For silkiness and flavor.
½ cup ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth) Optional but enhances flavor.
1 each zest and juice of 1 lemon Adds brightness.
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
to taste Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

Cooking Steps

Boil a big pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook just until they turn pink and opaque (around 2-3 minutes per side). Remove to a plate.
In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in white wine (or chicken broth). Scrape the bottom of the pan to release flavorful bits and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add drained pasta, shrimp, lemon juice, and zest into the skillet. Toss everything so the sauce coats all strands. If it looks dry, splash in reserved pasta water gradually.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more red pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot.

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and don't skip the lemon zest. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.