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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Thoroughly rinse and pat dry the shrimp, ensuring they are clean and moisture-free.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Gently melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
- 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.
- Continue cooking shrimp for 5-6 minutes, gently drizzling olive oil to prevent sticking. Ensure shrimp curl completely and develop a vibrant pink color.
- 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.
- 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