This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick delicious dinner idea!
An easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight, with just a few ingredients, you can have this delicious dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
This Shrimp Pasta is a mouthwatering combination of succulent shrimp, flavorful garlic, and tangy lemon juice, all served on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta.
The shrimp adds protein to this light dish, while the garlic infuses it with flavor.
You can whip up this restaurant-quality dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Linguine pasta
- Shrimp
- Butter
- Garlic
- Crushed red pepper
- Lemon juice
- Freshly parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. After cooking the pasta, set aside 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes aromatic.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the lemon juice and toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the flavorful buttery sauce.
5. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta and gently toss again to incorporate the cheese into the dish.
7. Serve: Transfer the Garlic Shrimp Pasta to serving plates, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful medley of flavors that will impress your family and guests.
It’s perfect for midweek dinner or a special date night dinner when you want to treat yourself to something delicious.
This pasta recipe can be served as a main dish or side dish.
It also makes for a great lunch the next day, reheated in the microwave or eaten cold.
For an even heartier meal, add some frozen peas to the skillet when adding the linguine and cook until they are heated through.
You can also substitute other types of seafood for the shrimp, such as scallops or calamari.
No matter how you serve it, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is sure to be a hit!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: While fresh shrimp is always ideal, you can also use frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a colander under cold running water.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be cautious not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their tenderness. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly undercook them, as they will continue cooking in the skillet.
Grate Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged grated cheese. It will melt better and infuse the pasta with a nutty, savory taste.
Save Pasta Water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. If your pasta seems dry after combining it with the shrimp and sauce, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up and create a silkier sauce.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and adapting to your preferences.
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp pasta provide a quick and easy meal option, especially on busy days or when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
They are a useful component of meal planning.
If you have any leftovers of this delicious One-Pot Shrimp Pasta, you’ll want to make sure you store them properly to maintain their taste and freshness.
Here are some guidelines for storing leftovers:
- Transfer the leftover pasta into airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well for this purpose.
- Place the airtight containers in the refrigerator as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours of cooking.
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the Garlic Shrimp Pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Other Pasta Recipes to Try!
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Savor the perfect pairing of succulent shrimp and pasta in our Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe offers detailed instructions, from cooking to storing leftovers. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home, ideal for a quick midweek dinner or a special date night dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguini or pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. After cooking the pasta, set aside 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Heat olive butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are cooked through.
- Add the lemon juice to the skillet, add butter and parsley and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked linguine to the pan and toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be cautious not to overcook them.
- Grate Fresh Parmesan: It will melt better and infuse the pasta with a nutty, savory taste.
- Save Pasta Water: You can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up and create a silkier sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 396Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 273mgSodium 1380mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 32g