Description
Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, all tossed with al dente spaghetti and fresh parsley. This recipe blends the rich taste of the sea with aromatic garlic and simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Deglaze with wine or broth: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add lemon juice and combine: Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with chopped parsley. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp can be used but thaw completely before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili peppers.
- White wine enhances flavor, but chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify and bind the sauce to the spaghetti.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if not keeping the dish dairy-free.
