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Delicious Garlic Shrimp Pasta served in a bowl with parsley garnish
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy, garlicky, and perfectly saucy, Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious weeknight dinner that comes together quickly.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
  • 1 lb Spaghetti noodles, uncooked
  • 6-8 cloves Garlic, minced (about 2–3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 drizzles Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons total)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to taste
  • 1 to taste Fresh ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon for a mild kick)
  • 1 to taste Salt for pasta water and final seasoning
  • 1 bunch Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil, and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once melted and foamy, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and starting to curl. Remove shrimp briefly if the skillet is crowded.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in olive oil to help coat the shrimp and stop the butter from browning too dark. Cook until shrimp are fully pink and cooked through.
  • Return any removed shrimp to the skillet and add the drained spaghetti. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, fresh ground pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to combine.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, tossing until the sauce lightly coats the noodles and everything is hot and glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth.