There’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil—it fills the kitchen and makes you feel instantly at home. A few years ago, I whipped up a simple shrimp pasta on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a favorite go-to meal. Quick, flavorful, and elegant enough for guests, it’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something special.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is all about bold, fresh flavors. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a garlicky, buttery sauce come together for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s a dish that always delivers.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Cook Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside. - Make Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss the cooked pasta in the pan to coat it with the garlicky sauce. - Combine:
Return shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with parsley, and toss everything together until well combined. - Serve:
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of spinach.
- Can be made in under 20 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.