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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

shrimp pasta recipe

 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional, or substitute chicken broth)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/41/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Meanwhile, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
  9. Toss continuously until pasta absorbs some sauce, adding more pasta water if needed.
  10. Remove from heat and add Parmesan cheese, tossing quickly to incorporate.
  11. Stir in fresh parsley, lemon zest and juice if using.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  13. Serve immediately in warmed bowls.

Notes

  • For a creamier version, add 1/4 cup heavy cream along with the wine.
  • The quality of the shrimp significantly impacts this dish, so use the freshest available.
  • Frozen shrimp works well too—just thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

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