Garlic Shrimp and Pasta Delight

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Garlic Shrimp and Pasta Delight is a quick and satisfying meal that combines succulent shrimp with a fragrant garlic sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's a dish that brings the flavors of the sea and the garden to your table, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp and Pasta Delight

Shrimp are the stars of this dish, bringing a sweet and briny flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for easy eating.

Spaghetti serves as the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious sauce. Cook it al dente for the best texture.

Garlic infuses the olive oil with a robust flavor, enhancing the shrimp and pasta. Mince it finely for even distribution.

Olive oil serves as the cooking medium and flavor enhancer. Choose a good quality oil for the best taste.

White wine adds a touch of acidity and depth, balancing the richness of the olive oil and garlic.

Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the dish.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.

Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant kick of heat if you're in the mood for a little spice.

Lemon wedges provide a citrusy finish that brightens the dish and complements the seafood perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work in a pinch—just be sure to thaw them first.
  • If the pasta seems dry after tossing, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
  • For a deeper flavor, let the shrimp marinate briefly in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also a lovely accompaniment, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine. Both will hold the sauce well.
What if I don't have white wine?
You can use chicken broth as an alternative. It will change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.

Garlic Shrimp and Pasta Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. You’ll want it al dente so it holds up well with the shrimp and sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside; a touch of olive oil can help prevent sticking.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until it's fragrant and starts to turn golden. Be careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Pour in the white wine and add the red pepper flakes, if you're using them. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and infuse the shrimp and garlic with its flavors.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and mixed with the shrimp.

Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, then sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds freshness and color to your dish.

Serve the Garlic Shrimp and Pasta Delight immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish that enhances the seafood flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • A delightful mix of seafood and pasta that feels gourmet.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • Customizable with spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and red pepper flakes, if using, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the shrimp and garlic sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

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