Step-by-Step Recipe for Zesty Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor? Garlic shrimp pasta is a great choice! It’s a comforting dish that combines zesty garlic, juicy shrimp, and creamy pasta – all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone.
Below, we’ll guide you through the recipe step-by-step. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll find this dish simple and satisfying to prepare!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here is what you’ll need to make this flavorful garlic shrimp pasta:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces (about half a box) of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced (feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!)
- ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- ½ cup of white wine, chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon (for zest and acidity)
- ½ cup of chopped parsley (for a pop of color and freshness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add one tablespoon of salt. Salt adds flavor to the noodles as they cook! Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside. Tip: Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining it. This starchy water can help give the sauce a creamy texture later.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
If your shrimp isn’t already peeled and deveined, do so before cooking. You can buy shrimp that is already cleaned to save time. Once prepared, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic — burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if the pan has leftover bits of garlic – you’ll use this as the base for your sauce in the next step.
Step 4: Make the Zesty Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. If you want a spicy hint, sprinkle in red chili flakes at this stage.
Next, pour in the white wine (or broth) and the juice of one lemon. Stir well, scraping up any browned garlic bits from the bottom of the pan – these add flavor to the sauce.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter for richness. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring the pasta and shrimp together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the noodles gently to coat them in the zesty, buttery mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, pour in a little of the reserved pasta water and stir until everything is well combined.
Finally, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and toss again.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your garlic shrimp pasta is ready to serve! Plate the dish and garnish with grated Parmesan if you like. Serve it warm with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
This recipe pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple side salad. You can also add a glass of white wine to enhance the meal’s flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic shrimp pasta is a versatile dish! It’s:
– Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
– Packed with flavor: The combination of garlic, shrimp, lemon, and parsley is fresh and irresistible.
– Adaptable: You can tweak the recipe to your liking by using whole-grain pasta, adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or adjusting the spice level.
Final Thoughts
Now you have an easy, step-by-step recipe for zesty garlic shrimp pasta that’s both delicious and impressive! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in the kitchen, this dish is something anyone can make and enjoy. Plus, its simplicity means you can whip it up anytime you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself (or your loved ones) to this mouthwatering dish. It’s comfort food at its finest! Bon appétit!
