Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender spaghetti with juicy shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a great choice for various reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it showcases the fresh flavors of garlic and lemon, making it both delicious and satisfying. Lastly, this dish is versatile; you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences. Plus, shrimp is a lean source of protein, making this meal a healthy option.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain well and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally until the shrimp are opaque pink (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about one minute.
5. Turn off the heat, then add lemon juice, pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp on top and garnish with parsley.
7. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Serve Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti hot, straight from the skillet. You can place it in bowls and garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to enhance the meal.

How to Store Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool before storing. Place the Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a little water if it appears dry.

Tips to Make Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

• Make sure to not overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and slightly firm.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• If you like a bit more heat, add extra crushed red pepper.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

Variation

You can switch out the shrimp for other proteins like chicken or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Additionally, try using different types of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. What can I use instead of butter?
You can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you prefer a lighter option or need a dairy-free recipe.

3. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It should also be firm to the touch but not rubbery.

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is not only quick to make but is also a meal that brings rich flavors and satisfying textures together. Enjoy this dish with friends or family for a delightful dining experience!

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

A delightful and easy-to-make dish combining tender spaghetti with juicy shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided) Two tablespoons for cooking shrimp and two for sautéing garlic.
• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper Adjust based on heat preference.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley For garnish.

Instructions

 

Cooking Pasta and Shrimp

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain well and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
• In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter.
• Add shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally until the shrimp are opaque pink (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Making the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about one minute.
• Turn off the heat, then add lemon juice, pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.

Combining and Serving

• Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp on top and garnish with parsley.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

For a delightful dining experience, serve with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keyword Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti, Lemon Garlic, Pasta, quick dinner, seafood