The Best Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Speedy, Flavorful Comfort

Shrimp sizzle with rich garlic flavors in this quick garlic shrimp pasta that promises restaurant-quality deliciousness.

Tender, succulent shrimp dance through perfectly cooked noodles, creating a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes.

Fragrant herbs and a buttery sauce bring intense depth to every forkful.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty garlic and delicate seafood.

The recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

pasta lovers will adore this simple yet impressive dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet creation.

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Why should I use fresh shrimp for this recipe?

Fresh shrimp provides better flavor, texture, and ensures the best taste compared to frozen shrimp. Fresh seafood cooks more evenly and absorbs seasonings more effectively, making your pasta more delicious.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various pasta types like spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well and complement the shrimp’s texture.

• How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

Shrimp is done when it turns completely pink and curls into a “C” shape. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery, so watch carefully during the 5-7 minute cooking time.

Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta—Top Highlights

• This recipe delivers a delicious meal in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• The combination of garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that elevates simple shrimp and pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Using just a few pantry staples, you can transform basic ingredients into a stunning meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ingredient List

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a delightful foundation for the shrimp and garlic sauce.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings a succulent and tender protein to the dish.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce for the pasta.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic that delivers a bold and aromatic punch to the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the pasta.
• Fresh Ground Pepper, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that provide layers of heat and seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Adds a smooth texture and subtle Mediterranean flavor to the pasta and shrimp.
• Pasta Water: Reserved cooking liquid that helps create a silky sauce and bind the ingredients together.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that brings a bright and fresh element to the final dish.

Essential Tools for Shrimp Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and mixing pasta with a wide, flat bottom for even heat distribution.
• Pasta Pot: Needed to boil pasta with enough space for water and pasta to move freely.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring and moving shrimp and pasta around the skillet without scratching its surface.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for mincing garlic and preparing ingredients with precision.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring pasta water and other ingredients.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Toss in pasta and cook until it reaches al dente perfection.

• Salt
• Fresh herbs
• Olive oil

Keep a cup of pasta water nearby before draining.

Set pasta aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Prep Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cool water.

Pat dry with paper towels.

Remove tails if desired and ensure shrimp are clean and ready for cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Gently melt butter until it becomes golden and slightly bubbly.

The butter will create a rich foundation for your dish.

Step 4: Sauté Shrimp

Slide shrimp into the buttery skillet.

Watch as they begin to transform from gray to a beautiful pink color.

Sprinkle minced garlic across the shrimp, allowing the aromatic herb to release its intense flavor.

Step 5: Season And Cook

Continue cooking shrimp until they curl and turn completely pink.

Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp for extra moisture and depth.

Stir gently to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Transfer pasta into the skillet with the perfectly cooked shrimp.

• Italian seasoning
• Fresh ground pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Pour reserved pasta water gradually, mixing until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Final Toss

Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring every pasta strand and shrimp is coated with the delicious sauce.

Heat thoroughly for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta

• Save that starchy pasta water – it's liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients stick perfectly to your noodles.
• Watch your shrimp closely while cooking; they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly, which prevents rubbery, overcooked seafood.
• Toast garlic briefly in butter to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich, nutty base for your entire dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – start with a pinch and add more for extra kick.
• Use the same skillet for cooking shrimp and mixing pasta to capture all those delicious browned butter and garlic flavors.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Flavor Options

• Vegetarian Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta and shrimp with spiralized zucchini noodles and grilled tofu cubes, maintaining the garlic butter sauce for a low-carb, plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Seafood Upgrade: Swap shrimp with a mix of calamari and white fish, adding kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Intensify the dish by using Andouille sausage instead of shrimp, incorporating Cajun seasoning, and adding diced bell peppers for extra heat and texture.

Serving Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta, adding a creamy and salty dimension that complements the garlic shrimp perfectly.
• Mediterranean Magic: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves to bring a bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the rich buttery sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the delicate shrimp and garlic flavors while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Texture Boost: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for a delightful crunch that adds an extra layer of texture to the creamy pasta dish.

Storing Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Prevent bacterial growth by maintaining a consistent cold temperature.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 1 month. Shrimp pasta freezes well without significant texture changes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra olive oil to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic shrimp pasta brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Succulent shrimp and aromatic garlic create a simple yet elegant meal you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed

Carbohydrates:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles

Seasonings and Fats:

• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh herbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Infuse water with a splash of olive oil and fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. Carefully extract and set aside 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Thoroughly rinse and pat dry the shrimp, ensuring they are clean and moisture-free.
3. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Gently melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
4. Introduce shrimp to the bubbling butter, allowing them to sizzle and transform from translucent to soft pink. Scatter minced garlic across the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence.
5. Continue cooking shrimp for 5-6 minutes, gently drizzling olive oil to prevent sticking. Ensure shrimp curl completely and develop a vibrant pink color.
6. Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet with prepared shrimp. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup to create a light, silky sauce.
7. Vigorously toss ingredients, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and sauce. Heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is piping hot and perfectly melded.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp is fresh and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
• Use high-quality garlic for an intense, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Reserve pasta water carefully, as its starchy nature helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes for personal heat preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg