Heritage Garlic Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with our Heritage Garlic Shrimp Pasta! This recipe is a quick and vibrant dish that combines the richness of garlic with the zest of lemon, all wrapped around tender shrimp and spaghetti. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients for Heritage Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Spaghetti serves as the foundation of the dish, providing a hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Shrimp adds a succulent, tender texture and pairs wonderfully with the garlic and lemon. The garlic brings a rich, aromatic depth, while the olive oil ensures everything stays beautifully moist. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note, and red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat that complements the other flavors. The lemon juice cuts through the richness with its fresh zing. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a savory, umami touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • For perfectly cooked shrimp, look for them to curl into a C-shape; if they’re O-shaped, they might be overdone.
  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You can use it to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
  • If you love extra heat, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. It makes a world of difference!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crusty baguette to soak up all that wonderful garlic and lemon oil. If you’re a wine lover, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrusy notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh is best for flavor and color.
Can I substitute another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Linguine or fettuccine would work nicely here.

Heritage Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now. We'll come back to it soon.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them briefly until they become fragrant. Keep a close eye on the garlic; you don’t want it to burn, just become aromatic.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This should only take a few minutes, so don't wander off!

Once the shrimp is perfectly cooked, stir in the lemon juice and the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the flavorful oil and shrimp juices.

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving. These finishing touches add color and a layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • The combination of garlic and lemon creates a delightful aroma.
  • Light and satisfying, great for any season.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

12 oz Spaghetti
1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 Lemon, juiced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in lemon juice and cooked spaghetti, toss to combine.
5. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!