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This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and easy meal perfect for weeknights. With juicy shrimp, savory garlic, butter, and Italian seasonings, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home in minutes.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (1 lb): Medium, deveined, and tails removed for easy eating.
- Spaghetti Noodles (1 lb): Adjust amount based on family size, and use your favorite pasta.
- Garlic (6-8 cloves): Minced, giving the pasta a strong, aromatic flavor.
- Butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps create the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Three drizzles for added flavor and moisture.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor.
- Fresh Ground Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust for desired spice level.
- Salt and Fresh Herbs: Season to taste and add a garnish of herbs if desired.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water until tender. Add a bit of olive oil, salt, and fresh herbs to the water for extra flavor. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta is cooking, rinse and prepare the shrimp.
- Step 3:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they start to turn pink and curl slightly.
- Step 4:
- Once the shrimp begins to curl, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and garlic, stirring until the shrimp is fully pink and curled.
- Step 6:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, followed by Italian seasoning, fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Step 7:
- Toss all ingredients in the skillet until well combined and heated through.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. A side of garlic bread or a light green salad complements this dish well.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a small splash of water or broth and heat gently in a skillet to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, like real butter and fresh shrimp, for the best flavor.
- Allow the garlic to cook only until fragrant to prevent it from becoming bitter.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrients.
- Use Different Pasta: Swap the spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer.
- Lemon Zest: For a bright, citrusy twist, add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.