Try this Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a quick and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love the mix of juicy shrimp and garlic in a creamy sauce.
It’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s great for people with busy lives and picky eaters. Also perfect for family dinners on school nights.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation time takes only 10 minutes
- Cooking time is approximately 10 minutes
- The recipe serves 4 people
- Each serving has 470 calories
- A nutritious mix of carbs, protein, and fats per serving
- Thaw shrimp at least 24 hours in the refrigerator
- Shrimp cook in just 3-4 minutes
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution
Finding the perfect weeknight dinner can be hard. But garlic shrimp pasta is a great choice. It’s quick, easy, and tastes like gourmet food in under 30 minutes. Let’s see why it’s great for your next dinner.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This garlic shrimp pasta is simple and fast. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 to cook. You’ll have dinner ready in 30 minutes.
It uses 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti, 1 lb of shrimp, and 6 cloves of garlic. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor
This seafood pasta tastes like a fancy restaurant. Cooking the shrimp in olive oil makes them sweet. The sauce, with butter, chicken broth, and lemon juice, is creamy.
Adding 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and lemon zest makes it even better. It’s a dish that will make your taste buds happy.
Ingredients Needed
Making it is easy with the right stuff. It’s all about using fresh, top-notch ingredients. This makes the dish taste amazing and smell great.
Shrimp and Garlic: The Stars of the Dish
The main parts of this dish are key to its tasty flavor:
- 1 lb of raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp of garlic paste (or minced garlic for a more pungent flavor)
The shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce. This sauce is rich and smells wonderful. It makes the shrimp taste incredible.
Additional Flavorings and Herbs
Here are some extras to make the dish even better:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs like basil and parsley
Olive oil and butter make the sauce creamy. Fresh herbs add a fresh taste. The white wine balances the flavors, making it super tasty.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Shrimp | 1 lb, peeled and deveined |
| Garlic Paste | 2 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| White Wine | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty garlic shrimp pasta. It’s perfect for impressing guests or a great dinner any night.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Learn how to make this tasty shrimp pasta recipe. It’s easy and fun. You’ll use fresh shrimp, homemade pasta sauce, and Italian cooking methods.
Prepping the Shrimp
Start by seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are deveined and have their tails off. If they’re frozen, thaw them well before cooking.
Cooking the Aromatics
Heat olive oil and butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook for two minutes until it smells good. Add lemongrass paste to make it even tastier.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Use white wine to deglaze the skillet. Let it reduce by half. Then, add heavy cream slowly, stirring constantly. Simmer for five minutes until it thickens.
Combining Everything Together
When the sauce is ready, add the shrimp. Cook for three to four minutes until they’re pink. Don’t overcook them.
- Boil water and cook pasta until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta and save half a cup of pasta water.
- Put the cooked pasta in the sauce and mix well.
These Italian cooking tips make your shrimp pasta look and taste great. Your meal will be a hit with everyone.
Customizing Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is quick and easy. It’s also a great base for making changes. You can try different types or add more veggies. Let’s explore how to make this dish your own.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
Make your Garlic Shrimp Pasta healthier by adding veggies. Try fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. They add color, texture, and more nutrients.
Using Different Types of Pasta
Change up the pasta to suit your taste. You can use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta instead of linguine. This way, everyone can enjoy it, no matter their diet.
Spicing Up the Dish
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. It makes the dish more flavorful. You can also try cajun seasoning for a different taste.
Why Garlic Shrimp Pasta is Nutritious
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is not only tasty; it’s also good for you. It’s a great choice for those who love healthy pasta. This dish uses shrimp and garlic to give you a balanced diet.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp is a great source of lean protein. It helps grow and repair muscles. It also has vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12 and zinc.
These nutrients help your thyroid and metabolism. Shrimp also has omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are good for your heart and reduce inflammation.
The Nutritional Profile of Garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient in this dish. It’s full of allicin, which is good for you. Allicin fights off bad stuff and keeps you healthy.
Eating garlic can boost your immune system and heart health. It may even lower cancer risk. Adding garlic to your meals is a delicious way to get healthier.
Choosing the Best Shrimp for Your Pasta
Choosing the right shrimp is key for a tasty Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You can use fresh seafood or frozen shrimp. The right choice can make your meal better.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp and fresh seafood have their own perks. Fresh shrimp smell like the sea and feel soft. But frozen shrimp are easy to find and can be just as tasty if thawed right.
Cooking with frozen shrimp is great because it keeps freshness locked in. This makes it perfect for quick meals.
Size Considerations
Shrimp sizes matter too. Big shrimp, like 16/20 count, taste juicy and are tender. They cook well and stay moist, so they don’t get tough.
Smaller shrimp cook fast but might not be as tasty in pasta. It’s important to match shrimp size with how you cook them for the best taste.
| Shrimp Size | Count per Pound | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Large | 16/20 | Pasta Dishes, Grilling, Sautéing |
| Large | 21/30 | Stir-Fries, Shrimp Tacos, Baking |
| Medium | 31/40 | Salads, Soups, Cocktails |
| Small | 41/50 and above | Fried Shrimp, Po’ Boys, Stuffings |
Complementary Side Dishes
Finding the perfect side dishes for your Garlic Shrimp Pasta is key. You can choose from healthy options or something more indulgent. Here are some great ideas:
Garlic Bread
A classic garlic bread recipe is perfect with creamy pasta. Bake it at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. The warm, crunchy bread is a great contrast to the rich pasta.
Green Salads
Green salads are refreshing and healthy. Choose a mix of lettuce, arugula, and spinach for a nutrient-rich option. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a crisp taste. This pairs well with pasta, making your meal complete.
Sauteed Vegetables
Sauteed veggies like spinach, broccoli, and asparagus add color and nutrients. They’re quick to make, with spinach ready in under 10 minutes and asparagus in 3 to 5 minutes. These sides not only look good but also make your meal healthier.
| Side Dish | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | 10 minutes at 350 degrees |
| Sauteed Spinach | 10 minutes or less |
| Grilled Zucchini and Squash | 4 to 6 minutes on a grill |
| Steamed Asparagus | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Ratatouille | 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees |
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
To make your Garlic Shrimp Pasta perfect, learn to cook pasta well. We’ll share tips for perfect pasta cooking. Getting al dente pasta and using it’s water well can make your dish amazing.
Cooking Pasta to Al Dente
Perfect pasta is al dente, firm but not hard. Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti for 7 to 9 minutes. Start with boiling salted water and stir often to avoid clumps.
Check it by biting it. It should be firm but not raw.
Using Pasta Water
Using it’s water in your sauce is key. Before draining, save about a cup of water. This water helps thicken the sauce and makes flavors blend better.
This method makes your dish more cohesive. It ensures every bite of your Garlic Shrimp Pasta is delicious.
